by Leeanna Haugen

Created on: April 26, 2009

What person isn't pleased by the sight of a well-mannered child, especially in this society where these children are few and far between. Obviously, most parents would love their child to display polite behaviors. However, teaching them to the child can prove to be tricky.

Set an Example

Children, as most people know, are great imitators. They learn their own behaviors from modeling behaviors that they see. If you do not display good manners, your child will have a harder time learning them. This is a good time evaluate your own manners.

Don't Contradict Yourself

If you tell your child that it is rude to chew with their mouth closed, do not ask them questions while they have food in their mouth. Do not make any exceptions while your child is learning these behaviors. Sometimes when parents get stressed they forget about manners themselves. Well, children are usually preoccupied and need to learn to have manners at all times.

Always Use Manners

There is no reason to forget your manners in your own home. If your child asks for a cookie, prompt them to say please. Tell them exactly what you want them to say. If they say, "I want a cookie", tell them to say "may I please have a cookie". Kids will usually have no problem doing this if it means they get the cookie. Then, once they have the cookie, tell them to say "thank you". The key is to require manners at all times. This also teaches your child to show you respect. Having respect for adults is often the most important of all manners.

Praise

If you notice your child demonstrating exceptional manners, let them know how proud you are. Children, like adults, enjoy being recognized for their efforts. A few words can go a long way in helping your child continue to use their manners.

Good Manners for Children to Learn

1. Please/thank you

2. Saying "may" instead of "can"

3. Standing if an adult needs a seat

4. Not interrupting while people are engaged in conversation.

5. Not arguing with adults

6. Holding doors open for others

7. Offering to carry things for others

8. Calling adults by their proper name unless otherwise directed

9. Chewing with mouth closed

10. Waiting to be excused before leaving the table

11. Saying "excuse me" if a child should happen to burp

12. Ask permission before using possessions that do not belong to them

These may seem like trivial things and maybe they are very small things. However, these basic manners go a long way to ensure your child does not offend others. Who doesn't remember an instance of a child who showed absolutely no manners at all? This reflects back on you as a parent. These manners can be easy to teach if you make learning them a part of your everyday life. If you see an opportunity for your child to use their manners, prompt them. That is how children learn. Remember, when your child says "thank you" don't forget your manners.....tell them "you are welcome".

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