How to Raise a Child With Good Manners

Well-mannered people are a pleasure to be around. An ill-mannered child grows up to be an obnoxious adult that nobody wants to be around. Good manners are simply a sign of respect for fellow human beings. Teach your child manners and he will be a well-liked and well-adjusted person, from childhood into adulthood.

Instructions

1. Create a mannerly and civil home. Good manners are a show of respect for all people, whether in your own home or at the mall. Your child will understand that manners are a part of daily life if you teach him respect for others.

2. Begin teaching your child manners in infancy. When you talk to your baby, say "Please" and "Thank you." Say the same to your spouse or other children. For example, if your four-year-old brings the pacifier to you, for the baby, say "thank you, sweetheart." When children hear good manners from infancy, it becomes a part of their experience and everyday life.

3. Start with asking the child "What's the magic word?" and when they say please, give them what they are asking for. After they've received it, ask them "What do you say?" and when they've said "Thank you", praise them for being nice. Then answer "You're welcome" to complete the "Thank you" phase. Saying "Please" and "Thank you" are just the beginning of good manners.

4. Teach your child by example. When you go to a grocery store with them, hold the door open for someone. When the person says "Thank you", answer "You're welcome." Explain to your child that you were being helpful to the person because you respect them.

5. Point out the good manners of other people, such as the person who said "Thank you" at the grocery store. Explain that the person was showing you respect by saying "Thank you" to you.

6. Teach your child that good manners can also be opening a car door for someone, helping someone carry a bag or taking a message on the phone.

7. Explain that when a person does something nice for you, you should thank them. Of course, there are people who do not thank you--that is another learning experience for your child. For example, when you hold the door open for someone who does not thank you, make that a teaching experience for you and your child. Ask the child how he felt when the person ignored a nice gesture, almost as though it was expected and not a "courtesy."

8. Practice good manners everyday in your home, include table manners and telephone manners as well. Explain why you are doing or saying what you are at the moment, your child will understand and practice good manners with you.

Resources

• This site has great help for teaching manners to your child.
• Parenthood.com has a wealth of information to help with your child.