How to Teach Children Manners and Etiquette

Teaching proper manners and etiquette to children is one aspect of parenting that is ongoing and is best performed on a daily basis. When children have models of good manners to pattern themselves after, they are much more likely to adopt good manners themselves. For this reason, make sure that your own manners are the manners that you desire from your children first. Then learn more ideas for how to teach children manners and etiquette.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set an example of the manners you expect. The most effective method for teaching your children good manners is your daily example. Children naturally emulate their parents.

    • 2

      Adjust your expectations to be age-appropriate. You should expect better table manners from a 5-year-old than a 2-year-old, for example. Gradually introduce your desired behaviors as your child grows. It's not unreasonable to begin to prompt a 2-year-old to cover his mouth when he sneezes and coughs, but don't overreact if he forgets.

    • 3

      Model the phrases you want to hear. Say "please" and "thank you" yourself and your children will naturally begin to say them, too. Add other phrases like "excuse me" as well.

    • 4

      Be aware of the language you use in front of your children. Your children will copy your words, so if you don't want your children to say certain words, do not say them around your children.

    • 5

      Require that your children address elders with titles. Children should use "Mr.," "Mrs." and "Ms." when addressing elders.

    • 6

      Teach your children how to behave properly in public, how not to interrupt when others are speaking, how to respect other people's property, etc.

    • 7

      Correct behavioral mistakes as they occur, but do not humiliate a child in front of others. Make correction a private exchange between you and your child that corrects but is done in an encouraging way.

    • 8

      Recognize and encourage proper behavior that you like so that your child will be motivated to continue these behaviors.

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