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.
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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.
Teaching children how to behave – Be aware of children’s ages and boundaries
Don’t ask too much of your child. A four-year-old doesn’t have to know yet that he should stand up for an older passenger on the tram, hold the door open for others or say “you’re welcome”. By consistently setting an example and gradually introducing simple rules of conduct such as “please” and “thank you” or a “Excuse me?” instead of a “Huh?” your child will learn. Sometimes they first have to experience how the other children or adults react. If it is laughed at after a fart or if the children no longer want to play with it because it has boogers stuck to its finger, it will learn from this reaction as well as from your explanation. Also read:
Parents are rightly proud when a child can behave well. A few more embarrassing situations (More on the topic of embarrassing children’s sayings ) will still happen and a lot of patience will be required until they have mastered the bulk of the polite phrases and manners . But the child benefits for its entire future by learning good manners. And if it behaves well, you will often hear praise and justifiably be proud of your upbringing.