How to Teach Toddlers to Have Good Manners
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Titus 3:2
Teaching your toddler to have good manners may seem challenging, but with a little know-how and a lot of patience, it is possible! Today I’m sharing a few tips on teaching your toddler manners.
If you have a toddler, you’ve probably noticed they don’t often hold back when they have a thought they want to share. That’s why two-year-olds will ask awkward questions or demand that they be the only ones to play with a toy.
But, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed by a toddler’s lack of manners. Instead, follow the tips below for teaching a young child how to have good manners.
Teach Manners from the Beginning
Begin to teach your little ones good manners as soon as they begin to communicate. Parents can teach their children manners when they’re able to speak, but setting the groundwork can begin even earlier.
“Any child can be taught to be beautifully behaved with no effort greater than quiet patience and perseverance, whereas to break bad habits once they are acquired is a Herculean task.”
– Emily Post
Set a good example from the beginning. Parents should teach their children manners by modeling good behavior. This is so important!! You need to demonstrate what it means to show good manners to others every day. If we’re being honest, good manners are should be a part of every Christian’s way of life.
related: Child Training
Good manners like showing respect, thinking before we speak, saying kind words, being positive, being respectful in someone’s home are Christ-honoring.
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:2
Remember that your child is watching everything you do and say. This means it’s super important to be extra careful about your behavior when you begin to feel angry or impatient with others. Toddlers are constantly looking to their parents as models for behavior. This is the best way to teach a young child good manners.
“Children are natural mimics who act like their parents despite every effort to teach them good manners.” – Author Unknown
Consistency is Key
Parents should have a discussion together about the plan to teach their children manners. It’s important that both parents encourage good manners in your child. Talk about how your child should be taught manners and which manners are priorities. Consistency is key when trying to teach a young child anything.
Be consistent with your little one. If you are trying to teach your toddler to say please and thank you, then ask your child to say please and thank you each time when it’s appropriate. Your toddler should also hear you say those words to him in response to the things he does.
Be patient with toddlers who are learning manners. Toddlers should not be expected to always remember their manners because developmentally, it.s not a very realistic goal. Sometimes they will remember, and sometimes they won’t. Remind your little one gently when he forgets.
Concrete Ways to Teach Toddlers Manners
Manners at the Dinner Table
Start teaching young children manners at the dinner table. When your family sits down to eat dinner together, it can become an educational experience for your toddler.
Try to get your toddler to sit quietly at the table without getting up for a set amount of time and increase the amount of time as needed. Make sure the goal is reasonable. Asking a toddler to sit still for fifteen minutes might be a lot to ask!
Greeting Others Politely
Encourage your toddler to greet others by saying hello when she sees someone that she knows.
Teaching Your Child to Share
Parents can teach manners during a play date. When a toddler is playing with another child, sharing becomes an important manner of learning.
Free Printables for Teaching Toddlers Manners
Books to Read About Manners
Utilize books that teach young children manners. Reading books about manners to toddlers is another way to teach toddlers about manners and what is socially acceptable. Five books that concentrate on teaching toddlers about manners are:`
Manners start with a smile—then you add the words. There are polite words to use when you greet someone, ask for something, or (oops!) make a mistake. There’s even a nice way to say no.
From how to behave at school, to sharing, to important safety rules - and featuring bright and fun illustrations - young children will gain an understanding of the right ways to behave in a variety of situations.
Penguin learns to say please in different situations throughout this sturdy board book. With simple text and vibrant photos, this is an excellent way to start teaching manners.
This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about the importance of good manners!
A little girl is shopping in a grocery store when--surprise!--she meets a dinosaur. Don't worry. The dinosaur is very friendly. She's polite, too.
A good way to ensure that a young child will continue to use good manners is to praise him or her. Don’t go overboard, but let your toddler know that he or she did a good job. Model good behavior while your child is growing up, be consistent with expectations, and use specific techniques to be successful when teaching toddlers manners.
More Resources for Toddler Moms:
- Why Routines are Important for Toddlers
- Chore Ideas for Toddlers
- 8 Printable Schedules for Your Toddler
- Creating a Toddler Schedule | Structuring the Day for a Toddler
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