| "Manners are the happy way of doing things." -- Ralph | | | | for which they could use some coaching. It is very |
| Waldo Emerson | | | | beneficial to remember the newness and to coach |
| Good manners are ways we express caring, | | | | them through whatever may be about to come up. |
| consideration, and respect of others. When we use | | | | Think about your own child's behavior and where your |
| our good manners, we make our community more | | | | child could benefit from some of your insight. Talking |
| enjoyable for everyone. When we teach our children | | | | children through situations before they arise, empowers |
| good manners, we empower them to have | | | | them with the tools they need to confidently and gently |
| confidence in their ability to handle any situation in life. | | | | conquer new situations. |
| Language: | | | | Car Talk: |
| The basic language of manners is "please," "thank | | | | - Ask your child, "What do you think 'good manners' |
| you," "you are welcome," and "well done." When we | | | | means?" "Give me some examples." And, then talk |
| use these words, we put others at ease. We let them | | | | about them. You may be surprised what comes up!! |
| know that we appreciate them and that we care | | | | - Ask your child what the world would be like if |
| enough about them to give them our full consideration. | | | | everyone used good manners all the time. |
| When we model the usage of these words for our | | | | - Ask your child what the world would be like if no one |
| children, we do them a great service. | | | | ever used good manners. |
| Behavior: | | | | Be patient and be as consistent as possible. The |
| Our children learn about behavior largely from | | | | rewards in good behavior are well worth the effort. |
| observation, but many times they enter new situations | | | | |