How to Raise Thoughtful and Polite Children

Raising a child is one of the most beautiful and yet challenging jobs in the world. This article has a few tips that have helped me to raise thoughtful and polite children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know your child fears and anxieties and be supportive:
   
   For example: If your child has fears such as the dark, do your best to encourage her to not be afraid. Hold her hand, tell her there's nothing that can hurt her in the dark. Show her the moon and the stars and explain that they are some of the beautiful things that you can see when its dark.
2. Sharing:
   
   Its important for your children to learn to share. This will be harder if your child is an only child and does not have the opportunity to share with other children. Invite other children over to play with his toys.
   
   Children learn by example. Try sharing your things with the child. A hairbrush or cellphone (turned off) can be a treat. Make it a point to let the child share in your every day duties (carrying groceries, setting the table, etc.).
3. Kissing Boo Boos:
   
   Yes, its important for a child to self soothe but its also important for you as a parent to be there for your child when she gets hurt. If your child has a boo boo, real or imagined, give her kiss and tell her its all better.
4. Pets:
   
   Expose your children to pets. Get a goldfish if you can't handle anything bigger.
   
   Caring for a pet teaches children compasion for others.
5. Show love and affection often with your children AND your spouse. Children need to see parents be loving with one another. Abusive relationships are toxic for children.
   
   Remember, once again, children learn by example!
6. Say I love you often and mean it!
   
   Children need and love to hear those words. If you're lucky, they'll say it back and melt your heart.