Raising Polite Kids

As a mother of four, I’ve consistently emphasised the importance of good manners in my children. From saying “please” and “thank you” to my son being respectful by holding doors open, my goal is to raise polite children that I can be proud of.

So, what exactly defines good manners?

Good manners encompass a range of behaviors and habits that express respect, consideration, and kindness towards others. They are the social glue that helps maintain harmonious and respectful interactions in diverse settings. Here are some aspects that define good manners:

Polite Language: Using words like “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “sorry” in appropriate contexts shows appreciation and humility.

Respect for Others: This includes listening attentively when someone is speaking, not interrupting, and respecting personal space and boundaries.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment: Recognising and appreciating others’ efforts, whether it’s a simple gesture or a significant contribution.

Table Etiquette: Practicing good manners at the dining table, such as chewing with your mouth closed, using cutlery properly, and waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat.

Consideration in Public Spaces: Behaving appropriately in public settings, like not speaking loudly on the phone, cleaning up after oneself, and being mindful of others’ comfort.

Empathy and Kindness: Being aware of others’ feelings and offering help or support when needed, demonstrating a caring attitude.

By instilling these principles from an early age, children learn to navigate social situations gracefully and with empathy, laying a foundation for positive interactions throughout their lives.

So how do we make sure we teach our children these basic skills?

Here are some practical strategies to effectively teach your children good manners:

Model the Behavior: Children learn a great deal by observing their parents. Demonstrate polite behaviour in your daily interactions, whether it’s saying “please” and “Thank you” or showing empathy and kindness to others.

Consistent Reinforcement: Encourage and remind your children to use polite language and display respectful behavior. Consistency is key; gently correct them when they forget and praise them when they remember.

Role-Playing: Engage your children in role-playing scenarios where they can practice different social situations. This can be a fun and interactive way for them to learn appropriate responses and behaviors.

Storytelling and Books:Use stories and books that highlight good manners and positive interactions. Engage in discussions about the characters’ actions and how they embody respect and kindness. For example, books like “One Branch at a Time” convey lessons on kindness and positive interactions.

Positive Reinforcement: Recognise and reward your children’s good behavior. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue exhibiting good manners.

Create Opportunities: Provide your children with opportunities to practice good manners, whether at family gatherings, during playdates, or in public settings. Real-world practice helps reinforce what they’ve learned.

Discuss the Importance: Have conversations about why good manners are important and how they impact others. Understanding the “why” can inspire children to adopt these behaviors willingly.

By integrating these approaches into your daily routine, you can effectively teach your children the valuable life skill of good manners, ensuring they grow up to be considerate and respectful individuals.Let’s inspire our children to be kind and courteous adults wherever they go. They will grow up quickly, and we want them to become outstanding adults that others enjoy being around.