Talking to Kids About Good Manners

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Veronica Baragas, with mywigglesandgiggles.com, and I'd like to share with you, how to talk with your kids about good manners, so this is something definitely that as I would like to say, is more lead by example. I think that most of the time, most parents know that their children see, say, and do as you do, so a lot of the times, showing them good manners is the way to start. Here's also a list of things that, just a few things that I could go by, in teaching them, and also reminding yourself. Respect and acceptable values. Talk to them a little bit about respecting each other, not only each other, but belongings and things like that. Acceptable values. What is it that your family has philosophy behind? What is it that you want to use, is it those please and thank yous, excuse me, yes ma'am, no sir, stuff like that. The appropriate language goes into that. What are those key words that we do like to use? Once again, the please and thank you, excuse me. Clear expectations. Make sure that you lay out for them exactly what it is that you are expecting them to do, and how to behave. I mean, if you just tell them, that's not how you say things, or why aren't you pushing your chair in? Initially, show them everything that it is, that you want them to do and say. Encouragement. When they do use those good manners, and when they are saying the please and thank you, encourage that. Encourage it by talking to your spouse, or to other people around you. Show them and give them encouragement. I'm not saying to give them prizes and rewards, because this is something that we want to be normal, and part of your everyday life. Discuss real scenarios. Basically, tell them about, if you're at a different home, and one of the scenarios is dinner. The family just cooked dinner, and you want your young woman to show some manners, by saying, Let me help with the dishes. Let me pick up some dishes, and let me do this and that, so give real scenarios about whether to help in the kitchen, whether to pick up toys after they've played, or whatever it may be. Discuss a few real scenarios, and be consistent. You want them to be well mannered, and to show respect. You're going to have to do the same. You're going to have to show respect to your spouse, to your children, and to other peoples in your community, so make sure that you're consistent with your words and your actions, because they're going to be watching very closely, to see what you do."