There are lots of learning during the toddler years. She is perfecting her motor skills. She is going through emotional development as well as improving on verbal communication.

The best time to begin teaching manners is as his language is developing. Helping him learn words like “please” and “thank you”, you are starting the path for the manners to become habits. Habits that are learned and reinforced at a young age have the potential of lasing a lifetime.

Starting With Manners

This actually starts before you child can even talk. If you use good manners you?re setting a good example. Children tend to learn what they hear and see what mom is doing. Mom and dad using good manners will make a the impression that your wanting. Try to make the extra effort to be polite and considerate even if you don?t think they are watching they are.

You can take this a step further, verbally point out good manners in siblings. Praise their older brother for using polite words, or sister for helping around the house. This shows your toddler that these things are rewarded and she will be eager to learn how to get similar praises.

“Please” and “Thank You”

Once your child is saying a few words, you can begin to teach him “please” and “thank you.” These words are the cornerstones of good manners. They are also absolutely adorable coming from a child who has just become verbal.

Remember that with anything you teach a small child, repetition is the key here. Saying please and thank you whenever appropriate is a good start. When your toddler says that she wants something, ask her to say “please”, then ask her to say “thank you” when someone gives her something. It may take a little time to get but it will happen.

As she begins to use these words remember to praise her for remembering to say them. Positive reinforcement will help her realize that she is doing this positive thing and make her feel good about herself; it is also a good incentive to keep it up. After these two is part of her regular routine then move on to other phrases like “excuse me”.

Rude Behavior and How Dealing With it

Rude behavior on occasion is inevitable as she gets older. Often times kids just do not understand that what they say may hurt others feelings, they are totally honest and say what they think, punishment is not the answer here. Explain to her that this is wrong and why, and what you expect from her.
Parents of toddlers almost always have the issue of hitting others. This also should be followed by an explanation on how it affects others and how you prefer she behaves. If it does continue time out may be a necessary next step.

Raising your child to have good manners takes a lot of dedication and persistence. In the end it is worthwhile to start to use them at a young age; she will begin to use them on her own. Keep in mind teaching her manners now will help her for the rest of her life.