Burping in public, picking her nose, not standing up to greet someone, she’s done it all because kids and good manners just don’t seem to go along. Every time she sneezes and doesn’t ask to be excused, you might feel like losing your last nerve, but trust me when I say that there are fun ways to turn your little-uncivilized monsters into cultured human beings. Here are a few tips and tricks you could use to teach kids manners.

Start Early

Toddlers as young as 2 or 3 years are old enough to get started with their basic lessons on good manners. As this is the time they’re learning the language and begin to socialise with their peer group, you should start teaching them behaviour that is considered appropriate.

Speak Using Polite Words

Every time you talk to her or talk while she’s around, make sure you are polite. Children tend to develop habits based on what they see often, so remember to be what you’re trying to make her. Speaking in a polite manner also applies while you are trying to teach her something and even on days that she doesn’t have the best of her behaviour.

Expect Respect

It’s ok to be friendly with your child, but you should know where to draw the line. Let her know that respecting her parents and elders is not a choice. Respond only when she respects you and the rules of the house. It is important that you stay firm on this if you want her to learn how Model Manners the world works.

Everything from asking for the spoon to be passed, to being polite while you excuse yourself to the restroom, do it as you’d want her to learn. Your examples are her best teacher.

Use Stories

All those bedtime stories with morals can be used time and again to remind her of what’s the most acceptable kind of behaviour. You can highlight stories that have characters with good and bad manners and ask her to pick her favourite character. She’s obvious to like the positive character and you can highlight how she could be the most favoured person too if she has those traits.

Praise When She Practices

Every time she says “please” or “thanks,” lets the older person take the seat, covers her mouth while she yawns, sneezes, or coughs, take the time to appreciate her. If she knows that you’re noticing and praising her efforts she’s sure to put in more effort in mastering this.

Do Not Shame in Public

All your discipline lessons should occur in private and not in the presence of guests or peers. Shaming your child, even if it is just in the presence of a sibling might leave an unfavourable impression on her.

Fun activities

You could get her fun activities and charts that speak of good manners and help her identify the good from bad. Remember that kids learn through pretend play and this mode of learning will leave a long lasting impact.

Hope these tips were useful in teaching your child good manners. Please share your views in the comments below.