Dutch children are taught to be polite from a young age. They are expected to [1] shake hands when meeting someone for the first time in a formal situation, but hug friends and family. They also learn to [2] say "thank you" and "please" and are taught the differences between addressing someone as "U" versus "jij". In addition, [3] there are general expectations that children let their parents know where they are and be home by a certain time each day.

1. Behaviour
{ How do Dutch children behave?

2. Shake hands

3.  Shake hands is polite. When you get to know
someone, you shake hands while you say
“Hello” and introduce yourself.
 When you meet friends or family, it’s more
common to hug them instead of shake hands.
Shaking hands is formal.

4. Thank you and please

5.  It is rude if you do not say “Thank you” when
you receive something or “Please” when you
ask someone else to do something for you.
 It is also polite to say “You’re welcome”, which
is “Graag gedaan” in Dutch. It actually means
“It’s a pleasure”.
 “Thank you” is “Dankjewel” or “Dankuwel”;
the difference between “u” and “je” will be
mentioned in this powerpoint, too.
 “Please” is “Alsjeblieft”. “Alsjeblieft” can also
be said when you offer someone something.

6. “Jij” or “U”? / “You” or “you”?

7.  In English, there is not any distinction between
“U” and “jij”. You just say “you” to everybody.
 In Holland, “U” is being said to elder people.
“Jij” is being said to people you know well,
friends and family, and people who do not like
to be called “U”. It is very polite to say “U”
when you meet someone for the first time.
 “Jij” can also be shortened to “je” in some
situations.

9. There are some general rules in Holland, like;
 Let your parents know where you are. A lot of
children have the rule let their parents know
where they are. For instance when you are at
school, and you want to go to a friend, you call
your parents to tell them.
 Be home at a certain time. Almost all children
have a certain time they have to be back at
home. For example ten minutes before dinner.
There are, of course, a lot more general rules in
Holland. This is just to give you an idea about our
rules.