Friday, March 10, 2006

Teaching Kids Good Manners

A few mornings ago, I was brushing my daughter's hair. She was sitting on my lap and she farted on me. My daughter then looked up at me and said very politely, "excuse me."

It made me grateful for lysol teaching her good manners.

I believe it is very important to begin teaching children good manners as soon as they are starting to talk. It's also important to set a good example. I try to always say "please" and "thank you" to others and especially to my kids.
In addition, when the occasion calls for it, I say "excuse me" or "pardon me." And be it my Southern-raisin', I always say "yes, ma'am" and "yes, sir."

I've taught my daughter to cover her mouth or nose when she coughs or sneezes.
TIP: teach your child to cover a cough or a sneeze with the mid-arm instead of their hand-less germs are spread.

It's never too early to teach good manners including table manners (chewing with mouth closed, using a napkin and not your sleeve, etc), sharing, and the proper way to behave in certain locations (i.e. restaurant, office, church, etc).

It's so precious when my daughter uses her good manners. When she does, I let her know-"Thank you for using your good manners." It's great to make your kids feel proud for good behavior and reinforces it too.

Remember your kids learn by example-if you catch yourself wiping your nose on your sleeve-chances are your kids saw it too!

2 comments:

willam said...

ha! i remember you said yes ma'am to one of the queens on Viva.
when i sneeze or cough at work, i just stick the bottom half of my face in my shirt.
disgusting huh?

Kelley said...

Well, at least you're not spreadin' germs!