They can even learn how to say “hi” when they haven’t learned to speak yet! Try teaching your child how to wave hello and goodbye.
For example, if your child asks for help retrieving a board game from the top shelf of the closet without saying please, say something like, “I can, but only if you say please!”
Try practicing “thank you” by wrapping up objects around the house as if they were gifts. Exchange these ‘gifts’ with your child and take turns unwrapping them and saying “thank you. “[4] X Research source
Help your child practice by offering only a few bites at a time. A dollop of mashed potatoes isn’t as fun to play with as a mashed potato mountain. Sit with them at the table and give them more portions as they eat.
If you notice your child staring at the ground while talking to someone, gently suggest they look up when someone speaks to them. Avoid embarrassing them, though, as they may just be feeling extra shy! Try something like, “Grandma’s here, don’t you want to look up and see what she has to say?” Don’t force your child to make eye contact if it’s hard for them. You can suggest that they make eye contact for some of the time while they are having a conversation, but don’t force them to make eye contact with the other person all of the time.
If your child is old enough, take them to volunteer in your community to learn about the importance of giving back and doing the right thing! Watch educational television shows and movies that encourage children to learn about ethics. The animated films of Hayao Miyazaki, for example, often explore themes of caring for others as well as the environment.
For example, if your child often eats messily at the dinner table, don’t just tell them to stop it. Follow that with something like, “Let’s keep all of our food on our plate” or “How about we eat our food instead of throwing it?”
Consider eating dinner as a family each night and modeling positive, courteous behavior! This is a great place to practice polite conversation as well as dinner table manners in particular. Don’t hide emotions like anger, sadness, and impatience for the sake of modeling good manners. Show your child ways to handle those emotions in a healthy way instead of showing your child that they have to hide their emotions to have good manners.
