Showing your children the benefits of having good manners from an early age helps them become respectful young adults. You can bring out the best in your children by teaching those manners and providing opportunities to practice so they’ll remember them when they’re away from you. This will help to ensure that your children are well behaved and polite when interacting with peers and conversing with adults.
Step 1
Be a positive role model and practice good manners yourself. Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo., says that children learn by example, so it’s important to treat others courteously, use your best table manners and avoid interrupting others.
Step 2
Make sure your child is old enough to understand your instructions before you try to explain a new behavior.
Step 3
Get your child’s undivided attention and provide simple directions. The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired suggests keeping the process positive by stating only what you want your child to do rather than dwelling on moments that your child did not use the correct behavior.
Step 4
Concentrate on one behavior at a time. The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired recommends focusing on a single task until your child masters it. For example, wait until your child has mastered chewing with her mouth closed before teaching her to keep her elbows off the dinner table.
Step 5
Give your child the opportunity to practice good manners. Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics recommends having a “formal” dinner at home where your child can practice table etiquette.
Step 6
Motivate your child to use good behavior with a reward-based sticker chart, suggests the Disney Family website. Write the manners you want your child to master on a piece of paper or card stock with a marker. When your child behaves properly without a reminder, add a sticker to the chart. Reward your child with a trip to the movies, a special dinner or a new book when she completes a row on the chart.
Tips and Warnings
- Follow a suggestion from Kids Health from Nemours and use other children as role models. When you see another child displaying good manners or using proper table etiquette at a restaurant, mention it to your child. That may motivate your child to do the same.
- Avoid scolding children in public for bad manners. Better Homes and Gardens magazine notes that although you can offer a gentle reminder, steer clear of excessive criticism, because the negativity and embarrassment may lead your child to have low self-esteem or resist practicing good etiquette.
Things You'll Need
- Paper or card stock
- Marker
- Stickers
References
- Disney Family: Teach Manners by Leading with Examples
- Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Beyond Ms. Manners’ Preferences
- Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics: Teaching Your Child Manners Can Be a Difficult Task
- Kids Health from Nemours: Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting
- Better Homes and Gardens: Teaching Children Manners
