How To Raise Polite Kids

Manners truly do maketh the man. So it’s important to teach your kids how to be polite and courteous to others from a very young age. Many parents think that being polite starts and ends with learning how to say ‘thank you’ and ‘please.’ Or that it’s all a matter of table manners and nothing else. But this isn’t right. Being polite to people means that your kids learn how to be empathetic, understanding, considerate and decent towards anyone they may come across. Even if they aren’t particularly pleasant. And that’s a very hard skill to learn. However, learning to be polite and charming while also ensuring that they don’t grow up to be pushovers can have many benefits. People are more likely to like and respect them which in turn can open numerous doors for them. So, if you’d like to teach your little ones how to be polite and assertive, we’ve got a few tips for you. Read on to know them all!

In This Article

1. Walk The Walk

Walk The Walk
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There’s nothing quite like leading by example when it comes to teaching your kids certain values and behaviors. Parents who raise kids who are polite and well mannered don’t just tell their kids to behave a certain way. They exhibit the positive behaviors that they want to see from their kids. You can’t tell your kids not to burp at the table or be courteous to others if you don’t follow these instructions. If you do, your kids will view you as a hypocrite and won’t take anything you say seriously. So, if you’d like your kids to be well mannered, it’s time to take a page out of your own book and model politeness. Show the kids how it’s done and they will follow suit without you even having to ask.

2. Endlessly Repeat Your Actions

Endlessly Repeat Your Actions
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If you’re trying to teach your kids how to be more polite towards people, you can always coach them by repeating your actions and telling them to follow you until they comply. Parents with polite kids are consistent in their mannerisms. They know better than to take out their frustrations on a bystander or shout at a server who is trying to do the best they can. They are calm, collected and considerate towards others when in a crisis. And so, they show their kids how to be polite in every situation. This way kids understand that they must engage in polite behavior no matter what they are feeling. For example, if parents consistently ask their kids to put their phones away when socializing with people, they are less likely to stare at their phones when someone is talking to them when they are older. Being consistent will help polite behavior become an unconscious process and less of a chore for your child.

3. Intercede Bad Behaviors And Redirect Them Towards Positive Ones

It’s okay if your child makes a mistake or is impolite, this is simply another learning opportunity for them. Instead of losing your cool and scolding your kids for being impolite, positively redirect them towards better behavior. You can ask them questions to help them change their behavior. Remember, the point is not to punish your kids for being impolite, but to teach them that there are polite ways of doing certain things. For example, when they start to pick their nose, hand them a tissue and tell them that it is easier and more sanitary to use it. If they are about to cry because their friend took their toy, let them know that they’ve given your child their toy to play with for a while.

4. Be Patient

Be Patient
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No child can learn to be polite and well mannered over a weekend. Unfortunately, it takes time and patience. Every skill that your child has was a challenge that they had to work on for a long period of time. Maybe it was learning to eat with a fork or putting their shoes on, but skills are formed over time. Politeness, too, is a skill that they will have to work on for months and years. So, don’t be disheartened when your little one forgets to say “please” or doesn’t care to ask you before they borrow your things. Instead, gently remind them and practice politeness with them.

5. They Don’t Limit Politeness To Table Manners

They Don’t Limit Politeness To Table Manners
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Knowing your way around asking for the salt is good, but that’s not the only polite act your child should know. Teach your kids to be good to each other and to everyone they meet. Learning to be earnest and good starts at home. So, encourage them to be kind and respectful towards each other.

Being polite is rare in this day and age, but good manners never go out of style. Being considerate of others will ensure that your kids are perceived in a good light in even dire situations. So, don’t hesitate to teach them how to be polite!

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