Manners guides
Teaching kids to say hello and goodbye
How to help children greet people warmly, including shy kids, without forcing hugs.
Ages 2 to 12
Children can wave hello from age 1 or 2, say hello and goodbye by 3, and greet adults with eye contact and their name by 6 or 7. Shy kids get there too, at their own pace.
Try this week with your kids
Noki suggests a first week of quests and rewards for your kids. You change what you like before you start.
Why it matters
A warm greeting helps kids connect with people and makes others feel welcome. It is the first impression they make, at school and everywhere else.
What to expect by age
- Age 2
- Wave hello and goodbye.
- Copy your greeting.
- Ages 3 to 4
- Say hello and goodbye with a smile.
- Wave if they feel shy.
- Ages 5 to 6
- Look at the person and say their name.
- Answer 'How are you?' with a short reply.
- Ages 7 to 8
- Greet adults politely and introduce a friend.
- Say goodbye and thank you when leaving.
- Ages 9 to 10
- Start a short conversation after the greeting.
- Shake hands where it is the custom.
- Ages 11 to 12
- Introduce people to each other.
- Greet guests on their own at home.
Ways to practice
- Role-play arrivals with toys: the teddy rings the bell.
- Agree on a greeting signal for shy moments: a wave or a high five.
- Practice saying names of people you will see before a visit.
Common mistakes
Forcing a hug or a kiss.
Try instead: Let kids choose: a wave, a high five or a hello all count.
Answering for a shy child.
Try instead: Give them a moment and a smile. A wave is enough.
