How to Bring Up Well Mannered Children

Your children's behaviour is the window to how people view your parenting skills. Remember the times you have came across ill mannered kids? Remember the thought that went through your mind? (I.e. you said to yourself "rotten kids, who are their parents?")

Okay, now you have kids of your own, how do you discipline them? Here are some tips to educate you on how to teach your kids the virtues of good manners.

Teach Them Manners While They Are Still Young

Teaching your kids good manners should start while they are still young (from two years of age). Good manners are not inherited, they are taught.

Teach them to say "thank you" when someone gives them a gift or helps them out in some way.

Teach them to be polite when addressing people

Teach them the virtues of being well mannered etc.

Lead By Example

Children watch their parent(s) and learn by their examples. If you as a parent(s) cannot show other people respect and gratitude, your kids will think it's okay to disrespect others because, hey! Mummy and daddy don't do this stuff, why should I?

When your kid(s) see and hear you show respect to others, they will follow suit.

Don't Spank Your Children

Spanking kids is never the solution you should employ when disciplining your kid(s). It only makes your kid(s) terrified of you. They are other methods you can use which is equally effective when you want to punish your kids, these other methods include:

Ban him or her from watching TV

Ground him or her

Cut his or her allowance (this method works like a charm especially for older kids) etc.

Put Your Foot Down

When you are teaching your kids discipline it is very important to "say what you mean and mean what you say". If your kids are misbehaving, i.e. fighting with each o or the neighbour's kid(s) etc. And you threaten to withdraw certain privileges and your kid(s) call your bluff, make sure you follow through with your threat. If for instance, you threatened to boycott a trip to the amusement park, that is, if they don't clean-up their room(s) and they disobey your orders; make sure you don't take them to the park! And trust me; they will think first before they ever disobey you again, because they know that you will definitely live up to your word.

Set Rules

Where there is no rule there is no offense. Set rules for your kids and make them understand that there would be consequences when these rules are broken. If you have teenage kids, you need to understand that they meet and would possibly make friends with different kids from various backgrounds. In the course of their interaction, they might pick up habits, dress styles, language etc. that you might not approve of.

Set limits for your kid(s), let them know that you are in control or else they would go out of hand. Believe it or not, kids want a strong parental figure(s) to look up to. Set curfews, dating rules, visitation time for friends etc.

Remember a well behaved kid is a reflection of his or her parent(s), teach them to be well behaved and you will be definitely glad you did. And most importantly, be their friend; make them understand that you are doing it out of love.