Teaching your child to be polite and mannerly is an important part of growing up and it is something that they will take with them right into adulthood.
Unfortunately, some kids just don’t easily take to using their magic words, so if this sounds like your little one, try these six tips.
Be a good role model
It has been said before, but the best thing you can do to ensure our child uses their manners is to use your own. Make a point of saying please and thank you to them and others so that it will become the norm in your household. If you ask them to do something for you don’t forget to say please and then thank you when they have completed the job.
Remind them
It can be hard for children to remember everything they need to know. So, when your little one forgets to say their magic words, don’t give out to them, instead gently remind them to say either please and thank you.
Practice politeness
When outside, make a point of holding doors open for others, helping people with buggies and saying thank you to the bus driver. As you do these things your little one will begin to pick up on them and start to mimic you.
Talk to them about manners
One of the most effective ways of teaching your child about using their manners is to explain why they are so important. Talk about how saying please and thank you makes others feel and ask them how they would feel if someone just came along and took their teddy without first asking or saying please.
Praise them
Make a point of praising them when they use their manners. If they hold the door open for you say thank you and let them know that you are so proud of their politeness.
Thank you cards
One of the most important ways to teach your children about manners is to teach them to send thank you notes when they get a present. Encourage them to spend time making and writing their own card.
While starting at a young age certainly makes it easier to instil manners, it is never too late to start.
