Teaching Toddlers
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Teaching toddlers their manners can be easier than you may think. It is truly amazing at how quickly your child can pick up bad habits by their environment. What they are exposed to can be critical for what takes place later on. From table manners, to saying please and thank you, it is best to start off early. I remember my son saying thank you when he was barely walking. It is important."Your role" as Parents in teaching your toddler manners:
Be An Example:
You are their teacher. It is important that you say “Please” and “Thank You”. Be polite and show them how to be properly mannered. You will be surprised at how much they learn from you.
Do not use Foul Language:
It really is pointless. I am not here to judge, but my son never hears cursing. You really need to think twice about cursing around your children.
Be AWARE of their environment:
You must be careful whom your child is exposed to. You do not want them to be surrounded by people who may be a bad influence. You know what I am talking about Moms. Teaching toddlers respect and whom they should be around is important as they grow up. Make your child the top priority.
Monitor Music and Television Exposure:
Even as a toddler, they are absorbing their surroundings. From wrong movies to some of the terrible music out, it matters. You don’t want to watch a horror flick while feeding your child. Even some of these cartoons are questionable in my opinion. Parents do your research please, it is critical to their development.
Respect Your Children:
You must talk kindly to your children and they will learn how to do the same to others. If they see you yelling and screaming at them all the time, they will reflect the same towards others. You want them to be kind and compassionate towards others, this can be best taught through the parents.
Praise Your Children!!
You must praise your child when they exhibit good manners. By doing this, you are teaching toddlers that they are doing the correct thing, especially when it is done on their own. The first time I heard my son apologize to another child for accidentally knocking him down, I knew I had done well. Praise them in all the good stuff instead of focusing on what they don’t do all the time:)
How You Can Teach Your Toddler Manners:
- Begin with two or three first words such as “please,” “thank you” and “excuse me” and then introduce more as your child begins to grasp their understanding. If your toddler wants juice than teacher him that he must say “Please” before he will get it. It doesn’t happen overnight, however they will grasp the concept. Teaching toddlers can be made easier because of your example.
- Be persistent and consistent.
This means once you introduce manners, stick with it and rehearse the trait several times a day. Make it a new part of everyone’s behavior. It may take time, but young ones are so smart and will get it. The rewards of teaching manners early in life will give dividends long after they’re out of the house.
- Model the behavior and language you desire in your child.
I cannot state this enough! Children make us better people because they mirror the way we act. Before we had kids, my husband and I always said “yes, please” or “no, thank you” to one another. That is why our marriage works so well because we give respect always. It is a way of life for us and should be for you as well.
- Make sure to always praise your child after doing something good, such as good manners.
Disciplining them because they did not say Thank you rarely, if ever, works. Most children between the ages of one to three don’t understand what their being punished for, especially if it is because they did not say a specific word.
- Introduce Sharing and Turn-taking
I mean they are still toddlers and it may be hard for them to learn patience. They will catch on even at this young age. Always Praise your child when they do wait their turn at the park for the slide, or share a toy. Encourage them and always keep showing them the correct approach.
- Table Manners
It is not impossible teaching toddlers good table manners. Have them wear a bib while eating. Older toddlers you can teach them to chew with their mouth closed and to be aware of “messy eating”. My son is really quite good at this at even 3 years old.
** Table Manner Tips: **
- Wear a Bib on your child when they eat meals.
- Have your tot use a fork and spoon, not their hands
- Teach them to chew with their mouth closed
- Sit their high chair at the table and eat dinner together
- Wash their hands and face BEFORE and AFTER meals.
There is a misconception when you think about manners in a toddler. You may think they are too young and you do not have to start yet. WRONG, the younger the better. Please parents, I encourage you to be a positive influence to your children. Make the right choices for them. When we have children we have to give up the negative things in our lives.
Teaching toddlers manners can be a beginning of success for their entire lives. It matters in this life and we want them to carry all of this etiquette throughout their lives. I wish you all the success with toddler parenting. We have to shape these bright sweet children into positive adults. It all begins with manners.
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