teaching children how to behave

How can you learn good manners?

Farting, pinging or pushing ahead – sometimes parents would like to sink into the ground in embarrassment when their offspring catches the eye with bad behavior. However, good manners, whether verbal or non-verbal, are an important basis of our society and are also of great importance for the future of the children. Children can already learn the first pleasantries and manners at kindergarten age, and the role model function of the parents plays a major role.

Good behavior through imitation

Children soak up knowledge through imitation like a sponge. They also acquire manners in this way. If the parents, grandparents or the immediate environment in kindergarten and school demonstrate the simplest basic rules of living together, it is easy for the child to apply them. “Please” and “thank you”, a sincere “excuse me” or a polite greeting easily become a completely natural action for the little ones. In this way, it not only learns verbal manners, but also non-verbal ones. If you tend to curse, your child will copy the behavior. If you belch at the dining table at home, next time your child will not distinguish between the restaurant and the kitchen table at home.

More praise, less blame

Parents tend to immediately criticize their children’s bad behavior without praising their good manners. However, if the child’s efforts are appreciated and praised in detail, this bears more fruit than constant warnings. “It was really great how you helped the girl!” or “Today brushing your teeth went really well”, reinforces positive behavior. Why it is important to praise children

Explain ground rules and consequences

It is difficult for a child to understand when rules are set up with the statement: “You don’t do that” or “That’s just not right”. When they understand why they should cover their mouth when they sneeze, they will accept the rule more naturally. Comparisons also make it clear to kindergarten children why there are certain basic rules. “Please let me finish, I won’t interrupt you if you want to tell me something!”

If children know how to behave with good manners, they can often cope with unfamiliar situations. These simple basic rules such as “look in the eye when greeting and shake hands” or “thank you for something” automate many everyday situations. The role model role and small, inconspicuous assistance come into play again. Instead of constant admonitions, simple questions and reminders are useful: “Have you thanked me yet?” or “Please don’t forget to say goodbye!”.

How often do parents apologize to their children if, for example, they stepped on a toy, accidentally bumped into the child or treated the child unfairly in a stressful situation? But only when parents show their children the same consideration will apologies be learned as a form of respectful interaction and interpersonal behavior.