Stomp Your Foot And Cross Your Arms: Three Fun And Effective Ways To Teach Your Preschooler Manners.
One of the most important things that your toddler needs to know before they start preschool are manners. Simple manners will help your child to bloom in their early school years because it teaches them about responsibility and respect from others. Teaching a toddler manners will prove to be difficult at first, but by following the simple and effective tips listed below your toddler will be using simple etiquette and being polite in no time at all.
Always Wear A Smile
It's very easy to become frustrated when your toddler forgets to say "please" or "excuse me". The frustration builds and parents tend to use threats to get their child to remember to use their manners. This is counterproductive. Over time, your toddler will start associating manners with something negative. They won't be able to see the positivity that manners promote.
Make the lessons with manners fun and exciting. Using a smile and positive language when reminding your child to use their manners will help them associate it with something happy and exciting. For example, if your child remembers to say "please" and "thank you", make it a big deal. Offer them positive reinforcement with an excited high-five. If your child forgets to say "please" and "thank you", gently remind them that they forgot with a smile on their face. Children want nothing more than to please their parents, so if they see you smiling and excited that they remembered to use their manners properly, they will continue to strive to use them.
Family Dinner
It may not seem like a big deal, but family dinners are an excellent way to teach your child manners. The positive energy that is usually associated with family dinners gives you a great platform to teach manners. Not only will you be able to teach proper table manners, but you can also teach your child to wait their turn when talking or when waiting for something to be passed their way.
One thing you can try at your family dinner table is a family game called "High and Low". This is an opportunity for each family member to talk about what the best and worst part of their day was. Your toddler will learn how to wait patiently for their turn to speak. Knowing not to interrupt during family dinner will ensure they are prepared not to interrupt their teacher when they start preschool.
Role Playing
Toddlers love to learn. Their minds are developing at a fast pace, so they are always looking for an opportunity to learn something new. The best way to engage a child in learning manners is to simply play with them. Role playing will not just make it easier to teach your toddler manners, it will also make it easier for them to retain the information you are giving them.
Repetition is key in this situation. So role play with them for at least thirty minutes every day. First, you will play the child who has bad manners and have your toddler act out the child who has good manners. Take turns doing this. You can come up with funny scenarios and you can even overreact a little. As long as your child is laughing and learning, it will make the manner teaching process that much easier.
Toddlers need to learn their manners before they begin preschool if you want it to be a positive time for them. Not only will this prepare your child for what to expect from their teacher and classroom, it will follow them throughout their life. By using the tips listed above, you will have an easier time teaching your young one manners and ensure they are having fun doing it.
For more information and advice, contact daycare centers, such as Foundations Child Development Center Inc.
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