As responsible parents, we need to understand the importance of inculcating certain practices and mannerisms in our little ones at each stage of their lives.
The importance of saying ‘Thank You’ and ‘Please’
Teach your little ones the importance of saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ at regular intervals. Whether it is a small request like asking to watch TV or play games etc. reinforce in their minds the fact that they would get what they want if they say ‘please’ before asking you something.
Again, when your toddler receives something like a snack or a gift, teach him/her to say ‘thank you’. This practice should be reinforced for others as well.
The Importance of Saying ‘Excuse Me’
Children should know that they need to say ‘Excuse Me’ if they want to interrupt a conversation between adults; need to break away from a gathering, or accidently bump into someone etc. So as soon your toddler starts understanding the terms ‘thank you’ and ‘please’, teach him/her the basics of the term ‘excuse me’ as well.
The Importance of Practicing Good ‘Table Manners’
The reason everyone keeps on pressing you to let your kids join you at the dinner table as soon as they become toddlers is for them to learn the basic table manners early on in their lives. Teach your kids the importance of chewing food with their mouths closed, keeping their elbow away from the table, and not speaking with their mouths full etc. This would ensure that they would not carry along these habits as they grow.
The Importance of Using Proper Language
This particular step requires equal participation from the parents as well. Parents should learn to stop using bad words, phrases or body languages when their little ones are around. A child learns more by what he/she observes on his/her own rather than what he/she is taught. And so, if your child observes you swearing frequently, trust him/her to start swearing soon.
If you find your child using bad words or body language, don’t spank him/her or threaten him/her to stop. Rather, laugh it out (only the first time you hear him/her say it) and gently persuade him/her into thinking that the word is not good to hear and should not be repeated.
Source: Dr. Sonia
January 2, 2012
