As children, one of the first things we learn about manners is to say "please" and "thank you." Yet, there's much more to good etiquette and politeness than a few well-placed words. Consider the following tips to help ensure that your kids use manners whether they're at their early learning center, with friends, or around family.

4 Ways to Teach Kids Good Manners 

1. Teach and Use Polite Words

Good manners begin with understanding how to speak to someone with respect and politeness. This can be achieved by teaching your children how to use words like please, thank you, pardon me, and you're welcome, and using may instead of can. Show them how to use these types of words and when. 

2. Model Good Manners at Home

Telling your children to speak or act a certain way won't matter much if you don't model the behavior as well. Kids learn by imitation, so if you're using good manners at home, it's more likely that they will too. Try to act as a mirror for your children to develop good habits and always treat people how you want your children to treat others to avoid confusion. 

3. Be Patient and Use Reinforcement

During development, kids are given a tremendous amount of information to process and learn. When it comes to good manners, try to be patient with them and use positive reinforcement to help solidify these values in how they speak and act. If you see your children using bad manners, don't yell at them. Instead, try to have a conversation with them about why what they did was wrong. 

4. Maintain Respect and Personal Space

Always treat people the way you want to be treated, including your children. Try to maintain some respect for their learning process and give them space when they seem to be getting overwhelmed. However, make sure that they understand that you expect to be treated with respect, just like anyone else. Assertiveness is a good quality to have, but it shouldn't override your child's manners. 

To support your child's early development and use of good manners, enroll them in the early learning center Mendon Child Care Center in Mendon and Victor, NY. This childcare center offers stimulating care for children from infancy through grade school. They combine fun preschool activities with education in order to help children channel their curiosity to thrive. Their early learning center staff focuses on each child's unique needs and provides one-on-one care as needed. To learn more about their programs, visit the website, or call (585) 624-2337 to speak with a representative today.