Children with good manners are a pleasure to be around. These boys and girls make friends easier, get along better with their teachers, and eventually make better employees and spouses. How do you give your child the lifelong gift of good manners?
-
Sit down with your kids and make a list of specific behaviors polite people display. Some examples are:
-
Say “please” and “thank you”
-
Say “excuse me”
-
Hold doors open for people
-
Eat with their mouths closed
-
Model these manners. Children watch and learn from our actions.
-
Provide kids what they want only when they use good manners. Set limits and stick to them. An upset child in the short-term will be a more responsible one in the long-term.
-
Expect them to repay for any embarrassment they cause by doing chores or turning over a favorite toy. Without lectures or threats, a wise parent guides the child in following through with the responsibility.
Manners matter!