How to Teach Kids Politeness

At a very young age, your kids are starting to develop their manners. Many of these manners are acquired from their surroundings, especially at home, where they spend most of their time. Children have their own in-born abilities, but it is up to you parents to teach and shape their behavior.

You can try these different techniques on teaching your kids basic act of politeness.

1. Polite words
• Your toddler cannot grasp easily what “please” and “thank you” means. In their perspective, “please’ is what they say when they want to get something and “thank you” is how they will end a conversation. As they get old, they will eventually learn the true meaning of these words.
• When asking your child to get you something, start with “please” and end with “thank you.” They will copy these behavior because you and your husband do it a lot. You are the role model of your child.
2. Addressing people
• It really depends on the person your child is talking to on how your child would address him or her. Some adults prefer to be called in formal way and some do not mind it at all. Introduce them to your child as “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or “Mrs.” And let these people select which they prefer.
3. Basic table manners
• Your little one can start to eat using a spoon and fork at the age of 3. Teach them to use it and stay beside your child to wipe the mess in their mouth with a napkin. Discourage your child from throwing their food by telling him that this is not how they do it. Give them plates that do not break and encourage them to use their utensils.
4. Talking to people
• Your kids may not know exactly what it means to look on the person they are talking to. Try to tell them to look on what color is the eye of the person. Tell them to answer if they are being asked. Teach your kids patience and do not speak until the other person is done talking unless it is an emergency.
5. Sharing
• At the age of 2, your toddler understands what sharing is, but will not be forced to do it. To encourage them to share, give your child 2 similar toys during playtime. Encourage your child to share the other toy with their playmate. Help your child to offer the other toy to their playmate.
6. Apologizing
• At the age of a year and a half, your toddler can learn what empathy is, but cannot understand well apology. Discourage your child if they nick a toy from their playmate and tell them to say “I’m sorry.”