How to Teach Children to Know and Use Their Manners

Parents want children that use their manners. It's just one of those things. No one wants to have a rude child. Children who use their manners are the opposite of rude. They are courteous and respectful. They chew with their mouths closed. They say please, thank you, you're welcome, and excuse me.

The best thing that parents can do to teach their children manners is to use them themselves. When you ask your child for something say please, then when they get it remember to say thank you. If you need someone to move saying excuse me is using your manners. Things like that. Children learn best from seeing an example. Children's primary examples are their parents. When parents use their manners they are much more likely to have children that will as well.

That's not all there is to teaching children manners though. Manners also have to be enforced. When your child has not used their manners it's your job to reinforce and remind. This teaches children to use manners, as does setting that good example.

Talking to children about the reasons why using manners are important is also a great way to teach children to use their manners. When or if you see that your child is not using their manners sit them down and explain the importance of doing so. Give them understanding as to why they should be using manners. Explain that if they need something, or want something, that they will be much more likely to get what they need or want if they ask nicely, using their manners and saying please. Explain that using manners is just the right thing to do. That using manners is a way of showing respect for your parents and those around you. Explain that not using manners is unacceptable. Everyone should use their manners. It is rude not to. A little chat can go a long, long way in getting kids to listen and be good.

As we are raising our children we are trying our best each and every day to teach them right from wrong and to live in an acceptable way. Manners fall into all that somewhere. Using manners is just another one of those things that needs to be done, and taught. There are many ways parents can help to teach their children about and how to use manners. Parents can set a good example and watch as their children learn from it. They can remind their child to use their manners when they are not and enforce the importance of doing so. Parents can also communicate with their children about manners, and living in a respectable and acceptable way. Thanks for reading and take care!