This fall we asked our readers:
What are your favorite tips for teaching children manners? Or share a story with us of kids and etiquette gone wrong!
I like teaching “please” and “thank you” from an early age. We start around 10 months and teach manners early!
– Taylor Speikers
Set a good example!! You cannot expect your children to respect you or others if you aren’t showing them respect.
– Katie Hale
We teach so much by example. Using your own manners in a calm and natural way every day and expecting it from your children is the best way for a child to learn. They need to learn at home at the dinner table and also have the chance to try it out in public. It worked out beautifully for me with my now young adult children.
– Wendy Walker Cushing
Do unto others…I try to be an example to my children at all times, which includes being polite even when deep down you feel the urge to no be. Thumper said it best: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”
– Jana Seitzer
Do not accept anything less than good manners at home. If you want something you must say please and when you’re given something you must say thank you. Using your own good manners as an example in addition makes it normal and natural for kids.
– Jen St Germain Leeman
Explain to them what is expected, and if they are rude or throw a tantrum, send them to the corner or their room and let them know they can return “When you are ready to be sweet”. Stick to it or it doesn’t work, and ask other adults who try to give them a pass to please help you by not saying it’s “Not a big deal, they are just kids”…it’s important to raise polite kids!
– Penelope Guzman
I totally agree with all the others: Set a good example!
– Marybeth Hamilton
Start early! And set a good example!
– Marisa Atwood
Setting a good example is KEY! Children learn by what they see!
– Sara P.
For a long time, encouraging our son to say “please” and “thank you” felt like it was going nowhere. But he’s finally learned what “apologize” means, and he’s showing manners without being prompted. Continued reinforcement really works!
– Julie O’Neill Johnston
The best way is being a role model yourself.
– Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey
Starting early is the best tip. I started off with simple things like greeting saying good morning every morning, saying please and thank you, etc.. and then built on that as my son got older.
– Diane Nassy
We’d love it if you let us know how you introduced manners to your children!
