“Stand up while greeting someone”, “Say ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’ when needed”, “Do not pick your nose”, “Cover your mouth to cough” – valuable lessons such as these should be taught right from a young age. A simple act of proper greeting can create the best and lasting impression. However, knowledge of etiquette rules is not adequate until they are put to practice.Teaching kids good manners is important.
Following are some tips to inculcate good manners in your child:
Involve your child
Children observe and learn from their surroundings just like adults do. So when they tell you about scenarios when someone did not behave well, ask them what he or she should have done instead. Let them point out words that sound respectful and polite and use them while talking with adults. Encourage them to implement the manners that they expect from others. And make them understand the importance of being kind and why they should’nt be rude and how to control their temper tantrums.
‘Thank You’ cards
Teaching kids good manners is very important so that they understand to express gratitude whenever someone helps them or gives a gift. Let them write notes of gratitude on coloured paper and decorate them. When children hand out handmade cards with sincere words, they understand the significance behind it. Slowly, gratitude becomes a part of them and they will say genuine words of appreciation whenever the need arises.
Display good manners with kids
Wishing each other should not be just a birthday affair but is to be done on a daily basis. Greet your child “good morning” instead of expecting them to greet you first. When you wish each other within the family, your children model the behaviour and show the same regard for other people.
Enact scenarios
Children like to participate in skits and dumb charades. Involve them in a game where you enact everyday situations. Write down instances on chits of paper and act according to the situation you get. For example, when a guest comes over, enact how to greet them, have a conversation going and to pay respects.
Monitor their behaviour and reward them
Keep a close watch on how your children behave and talk to them about it when you get a chance. Do it on a daily or weekly basis so that they are made aware of their lack of manners. Instead of penalizing children for their lack of proper behaviour, use the opportunity as a way to improve them. Sometimes acknowledging good behaviour is also a reward in itself.
Secret signals to teach patience
It is rude when your child constantly interrupts conversations with your friends or acquaintances. Tell them that they need to ask once and you will get back to them once the conversation is over. Come up with a secret sign with your child which could be a word or action, to represent mutual understanding.
Teaching respect and good manners
After home, children learn the fine points of acceptable manners in school. At Winmore Academy, one of the best schools in Bangalore, we focus on raising intelligent students who are respectful and considerate towards each other. By maintaining a standard of behavioural expectations, we encourage good manners and talk to students about the reasons behind it. Every activity that our students are indulged in leads them to be knowledgeable, polite and responsible individuals.