Teaching Your Children Manners - 5 Things You May Not Know
Teaching your children manners can be accomplished when it is done consistently. As parents we all want our children to be well mannered. I know as a father I enjoy compliments from other adults about my children’s behavior. Like you I am sometimes surprised when these compliments come. Here are some guidelines for teaching manners to your children.
1. Some manners can be taught early and others take more time. Take chewing with a closed mouth for example. This take tremendous coordination and should be started when the child is 4-5 years old.
2. Always, always set a good example. Take something like picking your nose. This may seem blunt but have you ever caught yourself doing the very thing you are trying to teach your child not to do? I know I have. 95% of what we do we learn through example.
3. Speak respectfully to your child. Have you ever observed a parent trying to drill respect into a child by being demeaning to that child? Your children learn by watching you. Try using words and phrases like “please” and “thank you” “Excuse me” and “I am sorry.” Do this as early as possible in your child’s development. Also the tone you use is just as important.
4. What language do you use? It is commonly understood that swearing is a sign of poor education and upbringing. I hope this does not offend you so I will just say “Speak like you want your children to speak.”
5. Formality with other adults. When children feel they are equal with adults they are less likely to be respectful. 100 years ago children said Mr. and Mrs. If an adult is ok with being called by their first name by a child then they can say so. Teaching your children this will elevate the status of adult in their eyes and they will be more respectful.
Teaching your children manners can be accomplished by setting the example first. Teach your children to be more formal with adults which will lead to respect. Remember you are an adult and if you teach your children good manners they will naturally have more respect for you.
