How to Encourage a Toddler to Use Good Manners
It's never too early to encourage your child to use good manners. Your toddler may not have the maturity to understand exactly why he should say "Excuse me," instead of pushing past someone; however, if you spend time showing him how to behave in a polite, respectful way, it will soon come naturally to him. Teaching good manners isn't just important for healthy social interaction -- it also boosts your child's confidence and sense of independence.
Instructions
Begin with the basics of good manners. Sow the seeds of "please" and "thank you" when your child is around 12 months old; by the time he is stringing several words together and asking for things (a toy, a drink, a snack), these polite terms should become second nature. Use "please" and "thank you" yourself both in conversation with other people and when you're talking to your child. Set a good example. Children learn by imitation, says "Supernanny" Jo Frost in the article "Teaching Good Manners and Social Skills to your Toddler." Your toddler is interested in everything you say and do. Be a positive role model to your little one by being polite to everyone you come into contact with. If your toddler grows accustomed to observing good manners around her, she'll be more likely to use them herself. Encourage your toddler to share with other children. This can be difficult for toddlers, so be patient. Show enthusiasm whenever your toddler gives a toy to another child, and draw his attention to instances of other kids sharing and displaying good manners. Prepare your child for visitors or for meeting new people by reminding her to say "hello" and make eye contact. Children's entertainer Judi "The Manners Lady" Vankevich suggests asking your child to tell you the color of a person's eyes, which will encourage her to look adults directly in the eye. Role play may also help your child master this social grace. Focus on the positive while you encourage your toddler to use good manners. Praise her whenever she says "please" or "thank you," sits quietly and listens to story time, or shares her toys with other children. Try to remain calm and not overreact if she is rude to somebody or refuses to display good manners in public; the danger of emphasizing the negative is that she will resist future attempts to teach her good manners. React to your toddler's behavior in a way that will make her eager to behave well, not rebel.
