112 HAWAII PARENT May/June 2024 you want them to adopt, such as being respectful and showing empathy and gratitude toward others. Be Consistent: Kids thrive on routine and consistency, especially when it comes to good behavior. When parents’ actions contradict their words, children are more likely to follow what they see rather than what they hear. Start Early: Introduce basic manners as early as possible. Simple things like saying “please” and “thank you” can be taught from a very young age. With continuous practice, looking into the eyes of someone children are talking to, smiling, and being polite become a natural part of their behavior. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward good behavior. Positive reinforcement encourages children to repeat positive actions. Negative reinforcement in the form of It’s important to be mindful of the language we use when correcting children’s behavior. Common phrases that are counter-productive to a child acting out may sound like this: “Weren’t you listening? How often do I have to repeat myself until you do what I say?”; “What’s wrong with you?”; “I can’t believe you did that!” Instead, focusing on teaching etiquette and manners in a positive and encouraging manner can help them understand the importance of respect, empathy, and consideration towards others. Here are some tips to guide children in learning proper etiquette and set them up for future success. Lead by Example: Children often learn by observing the behavior of adults around them. What may seem like harmless teasing or a joke to an adult can be perceived as hurtful criticism by a child. Demonstrate the manners When you lead by example with good manners, you set a standard for how people should treat each other. “What may seem like harmless teasing or a joke to an adult can be perceived as hurtful criticism by a child.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==