Fast forward twenty years or so, and guess what I do on a regular basis? (Cue the laugh track...)
We know that, even before children are verbal, there is a lot of learning going on. And it's not just about children absorbing the alphabet or learning their colours. There's a saying - "Children learn what they live" - and I fully believe that. Even as a baby, I'd say "bless you" when my child sneezed, or I'd hold the door open for strangers at the mall, while my little one slumbered in her stroller. Children notice everything, not just the big, grand gestures. I've been told that my kids are extremely well-mannered (well, most of the time!) and I attribute that to the fact that I have continued my Mom's tradition of teaching manners from a young age.
Here are some great resources for teaching children manners. I've found them extremely useful and I hope you will, too!
- 10 Basic Manners for Kids
- Good Manners - at Home, at School and When You Are Out (practical situation-based scenarios)
- Teaching Manners to Kids (practical ways to model good behaviour)
- How to Teach Manners to Toddlers, Kids and Tweens (great tips for all stages)
As parents, our actions - despite how insignificant they seem at the time - lay a foundation for our children that can last a lifetime. While reading, writing and math are important to learn, I think manners are just as imperative for future success. Whether rich or poor (or somewhere in between), good etiquette and respect for others are the great equalizers. Manners are invaluable, yet cost us nothing.
What ways do you teach your kids good manners? Please share your ideas... it helps make us all better parents!
Thanks for reading! Until next week...
6 comments:
Such a great post! I'm a stickler for manners too. As were my parents and grandparents! :)
Manners are a big thing for us too! I find lack of manners to be way too common these day; albeit disrespectful too :( But not my kids!!!
Such a positive post! I'm miss manners too. I also try to teach my boys to be gentleman (ie hold the door for a lady, ladies first, etc)
When I was a kid, my mom used to have "manners night" when we pretended to "come to dinner" and put on our best company manners. It worked great and it's something I'll absolutely be trying when my boys are older!
I've always been adamant about teaching my kids manners. It's so important, especially in today's society where so many people seem to lack it. Such a great thing for kids to know :)
In regards to ways we teach our son manners is by leading an example.
He's pretty good at thank you's, please and welcomes. He understands helping people and holding the door etc...We make him aware of our actions and others.
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