As parents and teachers, it’s our job to teach our children how to have good manners. It’s important for their ability function in society as if they don’t use proper manners, some people might think that they’re being rude and may respond in kind.
However, it may feel like no matter what you do to encourage your children to have manners, it doesn’t stick with them. One of the big reasons is because they might be feeling overwhelmed with all of the things that they have to say or do or they may not understand when to use them.
Therefore, instead of focusing on all of the different terms, this article is going to focus on only two terms: “please” and “thank you.”
Focus on these two terms before teaching your children any other ones. Stick to it until they master it and it becomes a habit. Once they feel successful, then move on so that they know that it’s possible.
The following four steps are simple and manageable. They will help you support your child on this journey.
Actionable Steps:
#1. Model It
Instead of constantly telling a child, say “please” or “thank you, ” model it for them otherwise they WILL ignore you.
For example, try the following:
- “PLEASE pick up your toys.”
- “THANK YOU for picking up your toys.”
Note that I bolded the words “please” and “thank you” because when you say it, I’d like you to stress the words so that you children hear it.
Use these words as frequently as possible. It will allow your children to know when and how to use them.
#2. Explain It
Explain to your children when to use please and thank you so that they understand the reasons behind it. This will personalize it for them.
We use the word, “please” when making a request or asking for something and “thank you” to express gratitude when someone has something nice for you, says something kind to you. It’s when someone is being thoughtful toward you. When we say these words, we are being polite and respectful.
Using the example above, if we say the following:
- “Pick up your toys”
- “Good work.”
These sound a bit abrupt.
When we add “please” and “thank you” to our statement, it sounds kinder.
#3. Practice It
Some children may not know how to use the words, “please” and “thank you.” If that’s the case, review step #2 with them.
For those who are very young or who have speech delay, show them the following video so that they can practice it with me. Let them watch it a couple of times and then practice when them as well.
If your child feels pressured with you present with them, then turn on the video and go to the next room to give them some privacy. You can watch it first so that you know what we’re working on and then give them some space.
If your child is okay with you being present in the room, I recommend you watching it with them and then discussing it with them after.
#4. Praise It
When your children use the terms, praise the living daylights out of them.
Praise them even if they’re using it incorrectly. When you focus on the praise, they’ll feel a sense of pride in themselves and will continue to try using them. So, don’t correct them in the moment but explain how to use them at a later stage.
Recap:
Let’s recap really quickly. Today, we looked at the following:
- The importance of teaching your children or students manners.
- Four simple ways to teach your kids to say please and thank you: a month of Halloween, play some games, and capture their attention.
Free Resources:
If your children are struggling to hand in assignments on time, check out the following video training: 3 Steps to Teach Children How to Overcome Procrastination to Increase Productivity.
Next Steps:
For calm down areas on a budget, for your students who have autism, CLICK HERE.
You’re welcome to join us inside ADHD and Autism Self Regulation by CLICKING HERE or on the fallowing image.
If you found this video beneficial, would you do me a favor? Share this with your family, your friends, your loved ones, your co-workers or someone who you think could benefit from this. Thank you!
I’ll see you next Friday at 5:30pm PST.
Until I see you next time, remember to create, experience & teach from the heart.
Take care,
Charlotte
Disclaimer: I’m a teacher and a parent. I’m not a medical professional, so please don’t take this as medical advice. The advice that I provide in my videos and online are strategies that I have used in my own class or at home that have worked beautifully.
