At Lake Mary Childcare we teach manners to children in our care. We don’t deliver the message through formal lessons but reinforce good manners throughout the day, especially at mealtimes.

How often do you go out and about and see children who havent been taught manners. From not saying please or thank you, being rude to others, snatching toys from their friend or pushing in. These are just examples. One thing you cannot do is blame the child. Young children do not have any concept of manners unless we as teachers and as parents show them and explain to them.

Showing young children how to show good manners can easily be done by being a role model yourself. When your child sees you saying please and thank you, being considerate, following rules and patiently keeping in line at the grocery store, your child is paying attention to your behaviour and will follow your lead.

The worse offence a parent can make is cussing out a fellow road user. Yes, the other driver may have been at fault but your child, sitting quietly in the back child seat, is listening to every mannerism and word you make. So, every time you drop the F-Bomb in the car, be assured your child will use that language in another setting, such as their daycare.

Keep your expectations age appropriate. For example, one and even two-year-olds have difficulty in sharing their toys but be patient and just keep explaining that sharing is a good thing. 3 and 4 year olds should be able to share and is not an unreasonable expectation.

Be explicit in explaining to your child that speaking with your mouth full or chewing gum at the dinner table is rude behavior and by using positive reinforcement, by giving praise when good manners are shown, will encourage your child to practice good behaviors.

Start by saying “You don’t get anything by not saying please” and by “saying thank you will really make the other person happy”.

Consistency and consequences (as needed) will show them that you are serious. And it simply may take lots of practice and reminders for proper etiquette to become part of who they are.