You might remember them from your own childhood—or from the way your parents were raised—but many everyday manners that once shaped kids’ behavior have faded out almost entirely. Thanks to modern handheld devices, kids are often glued to their screens connecting with people thousands of miles away from them, while ignoring someone sitting right across the table.
Here's a look at the manners that have vanished from daily life.

Stand When Saying Hello

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Standing when meeting someone new is rarely expected of young children. But back in the day, kids stood up, made eye contact, maybe even shook hands (more on that later). It was a simple sign of respect.

What Happened to Mr. and Mrs.?

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Calling your friend’s mom “Karen” would’ve earned a scandalized gasp. The fine art of formality established that Mr., Mrs., or Miss was the gold standard. However, those titles are becoming relics. Sure, it may sound friendlier, but respectful? Depends on who you ask.

Give Up Your Seat

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It used to be automatic: if an older person entered the room or bus, kids stood up and gave them their seat. That gesture of care has dwindled, partly due to distraction—phones, headphones, or screens can make it easy to miss someone in need of a spot to sit.

Dinner Was a Big Deal

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Family dinner was once the focal point of a child’s daily routine. With after-school activities and fast food on the go, that ritual has faded. Kids no longer learn the beat of polite table conversation or how to stay at the table until everyone is finished eating.

Writing Handwritten Thank-You Notes

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Text messages and emoji-laced DMs have replaced handwritten notes for many kids. But writing thank-you cards show both gratitude and communication. Sitting down to pen a note by hand means you have patience, thoughtfulness, and know how to properly sign your name without adding a GIF.

Ask Before You Act

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“May I?” was a polite way to ask for permission. It was training in boundaries and respect. But modern children are often encouraged to act independently, and while confidence is valuable, that subtle check-in before action is often left out of manners training.

Shake Like You Mean It

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When you shook hands, you were supposed to make sure there was grip, eye contact, and confidence. The classic handshake has since been replaced by short nods or waves, and many kids miss the chance to practice the physical form of social confidence and professionalism.

Indoor Voices Only, Please

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Remember when shouting indoors was treated like a federal offense? There was a sacred difference between outdoor and indoor voices. The days of whispering in libraries and speaking gently at restaurants are fading fast.

Dress Up, Show Up

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Dressing neatly for church, family functions, or even a doctor’s visit used to be the norm. It involved shiny shoes, tucked shirts, maybe a hair part. However, comfort has become so important for the modern generation that they wouldn’t mind attending a wedding in hoodies and sneakers.

Talk, Don’t Just Text

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Face-to-face conversations were a key developmental tool. Children practiced eye contact, tone, and timing. Young people today communicate through screens as a default. As a result, the social muscles needed for in-person discussion get far less exercise.

Money Talk Was Off-Limits

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Money talk used to be hush-hush, especially around kids. How much you made, what things cost, all zipped lips. Modern children hear all about ad revenue, followers-turned-fortune, and family budgeting apps. The mystery has definitely been monetized.

Chores Without a Chart

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Helping out wasn’t optional or incentivized—it was just what you did. Clear your plate. Sweep the floor. Don’t expect a sticker or a TikTok trend. With time, chores became unwanted responsibilities, often coming in with calendars, apps, or "rewards" baked in.

Hold the Door Open

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Tiny but mighty, this one. Holding the door for someone—even if they were a few steps behind—was a small act of awareness. Interestingly, automatic doors do most of the work now, and rushing in without looking back happens more than it should.

The Gift-Face Game

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Yes, even when the gift was socks or a sweater with your name stitched across the front, you smiled, said thank you, and acted thrilled. In the current world, kids have become more candid. Which is honest, but sometimes, a little polite pretense can go a long way.

Responding to invitations with RSVPs

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RSVPing to an invitation was as expected as saying “please” and “thank you”—even kids were in on the etiquette! It was a little act of courtesy that showed you cared about the host’s plans (and their seating chart). These days, though, invitations often vanish into inbox black holes or get brushed off with a “maybe” that means “probably not.”