Manners are necessary for children to learn, and is more than just saying magic words like “Please” and “Thank you.” Manners assist children in their interactions with people and show appreciation, display respect for others and themselves, and help develop sound character traits. Teaching your children manners is a must due parental activity.
Using manners helps children to develop better relationships because they will know how to treat others in social and family surroundings. Children are more confident when they know how to conduct themselves in different social situations.
Manners can be taught, modeled, and reinforced by parents and other family members.
Teaching Children Manners
Parents must teach children why manners are so important; it’s key to their understanding of the significance of behaviors. Besides, being something every parent should do, we all know children will not learn manners on their own.
Teach your children specific age-appropriate manners. For example, “How to introduce themself when meeting someone,” “How to use proper table manners,” “How to behave in other peoples’ homes,” and “How to act in public environments.“
Explain Why Manners Are Important
Children need to understand that using manners is part of growing up. While manners help makes friends, they also show respect and appreciation and make people happy.
Use simple steps to teach children how to use manners in different situations. An example, such as “How to converse with others,” demonstrates a simple lesson.
Ask children to make eye contact with you and to wait for their turn to speak. When it is their turn to talk, show them respect, and listen with your full attention. Use manner words such as, “Thank you for listening.“
Using manner words shows gratitude and appreciation for others. Teach children to use the common manner words and phrases: “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse Me,” “May I?” and “You Are Welcome.“
When parents and family members use manners, children will learn these behaviors too. Teach children when it is appropriate to use such language. Like saying “Thank you” when someone gives you something and “May I use?” before using or borrowing something.
Model Manners
Parents and family members can model manners for children at home. Ask children to watch as you do something and point out the steps and reasons for what you are doing.
Table manners are easily taught and modeled during family meals. These are essential skills children must use when out in public. Talk with children about the importance of mealtime manners and to always use them.
Explain The Steps
First, children should come to the table with clean hands. It shows respect for others and is a good practice for healthy hygiene. Next, it is good manners for children to ask to help. They can help to set the table or prepare part of the meal, put bread on a plate or salad in bowls.
Teach children how to properly use utensils for the foods on their plate during mealtime. Remind everyone until all are served, not to start eating. Make sure children correctly ask for things like “more milk” using their “Please” and “Thank you” words.
Remind children not to talk with food in their mouth, to take small bites, and not wolf down their meal. Make sure everybody uses a napkin, and not a sleeve to wipe their face. Most importantly, teach children how to have a polite conversation by not interrupting others.
Reinforce Manners
Teaching children manners through positive encouragement reinforces children to use their manners. They will be motivated because feedback from parents and family feels great.
Acknowledge when children use manner words and exercise proper table manners. When they are polite to others and ask before taking or using someone’s belongings, praise them. Recognize a child’s use of behaviors by using verbal praise to acknowledge the accomplishment. A tangible reward like a high-five, hug, pat on the back, cheer, or directly tell your child how proud you are of them.
Children may need several lessons or remainders to learn behaviors. When they understand the value of using manners, it will become a part of their habits.
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