How Do You Teach Manners To A Toddler?
• Begin with two or three nice words such as “please” “thank you” and “excuse me” and then introduce more as your child begins to grasp their understanding. Children who cannot speak yet are still able to communicate these words by learning a little sign language. For example, when you say “please,” make the sign for it at the same time. This reinforces the sign and the verbal word while giving your pre-verbal child a way to communicate back. As you repeat this often, your child will pick up the sign and begin to sign “please” when she asks for something. • Be persistent and consistent. This means once you introduce manners, stick with it and rehearse the trait several times a day. Make it a part of everyones behavior. It may take time, but young ones are smart and will get it. Teaching manners early in life will pay dividends long after they’re out of the house (not that you want to think about that yet!). • Model the behavior and language you desire in your child. Children make you b
