1. Parents and Family Members: Parents and other family members were the primary educators of children in colonial times. They taught children about manners through daily interactions and corrections of behavior. Manners were considered a reflection of the family's social standing, so parents took pride in instilling good manners in their children.
2. Religious Teachings: Religious beliefs played a significant role in shaping manners during colonial times. Many families were deeply religious, and religious teachings emphasized the importance of kindness, respect, humility, and other virtues that formed the basis of polite behavior.
3. Social Etiquette Books: There were several social etiquette books published in colonial times, such as "The Polite Child's New Year Gift" (1737) and "The Gentlewoman's Companion" (1673). These books provided guidelines for proper behavior, covering various aspects of etiquette such as how to address elders, table manners, and social graces.
4. Schools: Formal education, including manners and moral conduct, was offered in schools. Schools taught subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic, but they also emphasized the importance of moral and social development.
5. Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships were common in colonial times, and they often involved living and working with a master craftsman or merchant. Apprenticeships provided practical training in a trade or profession, but they also included instruction in manners and proper conduct.
6. Social Observation: Children observed and imitated the behavior of their elders and those around them. Seeing adults engage in polite behavior reinforced the importance of manners and etiquette.
7. Social Class: The social status of a family also played a role in how children learned about manners. Families of higher social standing might hire private tutors or engage in more formal etiquette training.
8. Religious Schools and Seminaries: Religious institutions often ran schools and seminaries that included education in morality and manners.
It's important to note that the degree of emphasis on manners could vary depending on the specific social, cultural, and regional context within colonial times.