How to Teach Your Children Manners

Children go to school to learn how to read and write and they go to church to learn about religion. Learning manners should be taught in the home but is not always done.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Teach a child to say ''thank you'' by having them hear you say it. No matter how young they are, never forget to say ''thank you'' to them each time they hand you something, even if it is their ''bottle''.

2. Always say ''please'' each time you ask your child to do something. Children learn by what they see and hear by their parents. A hug and kiss by you, will make sure that they always remember to say that word.

3. 
   hold a door open

   Teach a little older child to hold a door open for others, especially when entering a store. Show by how you hold the door open for others, allowing them to walk in first-instead of having the door slam in someone's face- and they will learn to do the same.

4. 
   Learn table manners

   Set the table for a family dinner, using good dishes and silverware. Place the forks on one side of the plate, and the spoons and knives on the other. Add a napkin and a glass, and place them in their proper position. Use the proper utensils as needed, as well as the napkin. They will follow your lead and will make you proud when you take them out to eat at a fancy restaurant.

5. Make Sunday a family day special by wearing special clothes. If you go to Church together, then make sure you say good morning to each person you see, and watch and notice your children do the same. If an older person is standing, while you are sitting, stand up and offer them a seat. Your children will notice, and learn, and follow your example.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach them to offer their seat to an older person, out of respect for their age, and especially if they show signs of infirmity.
• Please and Thank you are the nicest words to hear and say, and the easiest words to teach.
• Children can only learn what they are taught, no matter their age. It is never too late to teach them good manners.

Resources

• List of Manners Children Should Learn

[ynohtna]

on 7/20/2009 great article 5*

[kristara]

on 5/12/2009 All children should learn manners, I just wish more parents would teach them! Great article 5*

[katearquette]

on 4/23/2009 Very good article! I believe it is so important to teach children these things early on. So many people now a days seem to be lacking in that department! 5* and a recommendation!

[grimsleygl]

on 4/22/2009 I love this article! Kids do learn by imitation mostly and you have emphasized that adults model the manners expected of them. Great suggestions! 5*'s

[Jaybeew]

on 4/21/2009 thanks for the inspiration!