by Jamie Mcgillian

Created on: December 14, 2009   Last Updated: December 16, 2009

Little Bobby Higgins was the only six year old at the party with manners. Bobby didn't yell or storm through the house like the other young guests. When it was time for cake, he was the only child to say please and thank you.  When cake time was over, Bobby picked up his paper plate and carried it to the garbage can. 

Then he went up to the mother of the birthday girl and thanked her for inviting him to such a fun party.  All the parents were most  impressed with Bobby. One mom actually went up to him and asked him if he would like to come to her house and help teach her child manners.

Our children may not be as well-mannered as  Bobby Higgins, but they can learn to mind their manners. There is nothing more pleasing than a well-mannered child. And guess what?  A well-mannered child grows up to be a well-mannered adult. 

But raising a child with manners is a direct result of being parents with good manners. As a parent, teaching about manners and their importance is a responsibility that you choose to take. Reinforcing manners is not always the most convenient thing.  

If one day you are too tired to enforce the rules about manners, they may lose their importance to your child. Children learn by repetition and a consistent example. So you always have to keep manners in check.

Be the Best Role Model

Showing your child that manners are important to you, means more than just saying please and thank you. It may mean not chewing with your mouth open. It may mean being quiet and respectful of adults. 

It may mean quietly waiting your turn. Go over these things with your child. Be specific. If the behavior is wrong, explain what the expected behavior should be.

Also, refrain from arguing with people on the road, in stores, on lines, or anywhere. That means, if someone cuts you off in the car, resist calling them an expletive. Always remember that your child may be watching. If a bad word comes out of your mouth and your child hears it, chances are, that same word is going to come out of his mouth sooner or later. 

Don't be too hard on your child if he slips up once in a while.  Let's say you are dining with your family and your child burps. Instead of embarrassing her or scolding  her, have her say "Excuse me."  Don't make too big a deal out of it. After all, we are humans and humans make mistakes.

Always praise your child for her good manners. Talk about them. Make a big deal out of them with a manners chart. And how about offering a reward? How about ten thank-yous equal an ice cream cone with Mom or Dad?

Explain it

Make sure to take the time to explain to your child what is considered rude or polite. A child may not know that it is rude to stare or make a comment to someone. If you tell her first and explain what is the polite behavior, you have a better chance at success.

If you take the time to teach your young child manners, it will certainly pay off.  There's nothing like a well-mannered teen.  

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