How to teach your child proper manners

Preparing your children with proper behavior at home leads to them being less rude as grownups in society. Teach your child to express kindness and courtesy to a stranger, relative, sibling and also you with the following steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Refrain from using words or having discussions that kids shouldn't hear (gossip, insults, swearing), because what is normally said in adult conversations should stay between adults. Children are the reflection of their parents. Parents must realize that anything they say in their child's presence that is negative, the child may repeat.
2. Ask and you should receive. In life, when requesting something, people either demand it or ask politely. With children, they tend to demand what they want but it is up to the parents to teach how to ask appropriately. Teach your child that saying "please," "may I" or "can I" are the 3 golden phrases they should use if they want a cookie, want to watch TV or anything else. Also let them know they should say thank you afterwards to show their appreciation for what you'd given them.
3. Learn to say "excuse me." There are many ways for kids to express politeness and the phrase "excuse me" is one of them. But the words can be used in 3 different ways. Many times, especially in public, we often will pass a stranger and there is little room to get by. Your child should understand that saying "excuse me" is acknowledging the person's presence. The same thing goes for embarrassing situations such as passing gas or burping--"apologize" by saying excuse me and move forward. Also, excusing one self to go to a restroom or to leave the dinner table shows good manners.
4. Consider the phrase "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all." The biggest mistake some parents make is not telling their kids to keep their mouth closed when they are about to express their thoughts out in the open. For example, commenting on a person that is obese or who has some type of disability. Teach your kid that no matter how "different" a person is, we all are humans who have feelings. Children should be taught to accept people for who they are.
5. Take a compliment well and move on. As people, we are flattered whenever someone gives us a thumbs up for our effort of our hard work, personality or even looks. Let's say your child is wearing a cute outfit or is an adorable child and a stranger or someone they know is complimenting them. Tell them to say "thank you" and to give a smile as they appreciate the compliment.
6. Pass on what you know to your kids. If your parents taught you to have manners, of course automatically you will pass it along to your own child. But there are numerous of ways to learn mannerisms than the general ones we are often taught so read books to figure out more ways your child to show respectfulness to others.

Tips & Warnings

• Realize that it may take awhile for your child to learn manners so keep telling them about it so they can remember it well.
• Never teach your kid to hate someone for their difference--race, weight, sexuality or disability. No child is born into the world full of hate, so don't teach it.