Things You'll Need:
- Berenstain Bears :Forget Their Manners
- Manners
- Barney's Best Manners
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Step 1
Model good manners to your toddler. Say please and thank you to your toddler when appropriate. If your toddler sneezes say, "Bless you." If you want your toddler to move say, "Excuse me."
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Step 2
Praise your child when he or she exhibits appropriate behavior. Say things like "Nice manners!" "Thank you for being polite," or "You are so polite," when your toddler uses good manners.
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Step 3
Tell your toddler how you'd rather he behave if he is rude or impolite. If he hits, tell him you want him to be nice or gentle. Tell your toddler that hitting is bad manners.
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Step 4
Talk about other people's behavior. When you see someone using good manners, point it out to your child. Use the people in your family and household as frequent examples.
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Step 5
Read books and sing songs about good manners. Watch videos on the topic. Work politeness into every day in some way.
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Step 6
Use a simple consequence like time out for refusal to use good manners. Give a warning once and then follow through with the consequence.









Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 You yourself must first realize the importance of good manners and set the example. If your child doesn't see you respecting others, he or she will grow to be rude to everyone including you. It's important that they learn and understand young.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Correct your toddler's mistakes but also your own and your spouse's, and always do it respectfully and constructively! This shows it's important that everyone use good manners and that everyone makes mistakes! Read "Polite Elephant" by Richard Scarry.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Say "thank you" every time your baby/toddler gives you something willingly (e.g. a toy or a hug). It works! We have done this for months and now our 20-month-old says "thank you" whenever someone gives her something she wants.