Where do you as the parent begin in teaching toddlers good manners? Start with the basics – please and thank you. If your little one wants a sippy cup of milk, teaching them to ask for it in a proper way by stating, “May I have some milk please?” while you are pouring it for your child. When you hand it to him or her affirm, “thank you.” This also works well if you and your child are visiting friends or relatives. When he or she asks for something, remind your child to say please and thank you.
Another good manner in teaching toddlers is sharing. Teach your child to share his or her toys with their siblings and friends. If your child grabs a toy out of another child’s hands, let them know that they need to share the toy as you had the toy back to the child it was taken from. Tell you toddler that it is not their turn and that they need to share their toys. This might not take effect right away at such a young age, but by the time your child is three or four years old, they will be more understanding to the concept of sharing.
Another idea in teaching toddlers is responsibility is an excellent idea. After you child is finished playing with his or her toys, get them to help pick them up. This helps you child learn to pick up after his or herself – this will teach them to do so when they are older.
It is very important when you are teaching toddlers that you to follow good manners. As the parent you need to be a good role model to them. If you do not follow your own advice, they will think it is okay since mom and dad are not using good manners. Also be sure to teach your child why it is important to use good manners. It will help them in understanding and reiterating what you are teaching them.
As your child gets older, he or she will be getting ready to start school. We can now start teaching preschoolers more advanced responsibility. By having already taught them the basics it will be a much easier transition into bigger and better things.
Your child is getting ready to venture out on their own in school. Start them off by giving them chores to do. It may seem like a large task to them, but break it down and show them that it can be done easily if they break it down into smaller jobs. A good example would be to ask them to dust the living room before dinner. Show them that if they do one end table at a time and not all at once. That will make it so it is not so over whelming. Granted, you may have to go over what they have already done, but they are learning responsibility and it makes them feel good about themselves.
You can also teach them about managing their money. By doing their chores you can give them a small allowance. This will teach them to earn money. If you child once a bike, you can teach them that they need to save up for it. This will hopefully lead them to be money smart as they get older.
No matter whether you are teaching toddlers or teaching preschoolers, you must always support you child. If your child fails at something, encourage him or her to try, try again. Eventually they will get it on their own. Also when they show good manners or complete a task, praise your child. Let them know you are proud of them. You might even want to have a chart for your child. Let them earn rewards by showing so many good manners and completing so many chores in a week. By completing a task, you can put a smiley face or sticker on their chart which not only can boost their spirits, but it can also teach them to work hard for what they want.