Most Tanzanian children follow a very formal set of rules of behavior.
When in the presence of adults, they are quiet until addressed and if, for example, they are presented with a gift, they might not open it or be overly enthusiastic until after the visitor leaves. They are used to responding to adult requests, whether or not they know the adult. Parents or adults may call a child into the house from play to request a glass of water, and the child would quietly get the water. Adults frequently send children to run household errands at the market, the pharmacy or the beverage store.