How To Raise a Polite Child

Step 1:

When sitting at a dinner table, teach your child to use "please" and "thank you" in a sentence. When a waitress or anyone asks if they would like anything to drink, teach them to say, "Yes please," and "thank you," rather than just plain "yes." This sounds more polite and it teaches them respect.

Step 2:

Teach politeness in a social situation. This can be more of a challenge. Teach your child not to interrupt when you or others are talking, since this is rude. Have your child place their hand on your arm to let you know that they would like to speak to you.

Step 3:

Acknowledge their presence by squeezing their hand gently, winking, or giving them a nod.

Step 4:

Acknowledge their presence by squeezing their hand gently, winking, or giving them a nod.

Step 5:

Teach you children to say "excuse me" when they accidentally burp, bump into someone, etc.

Step 6:

Repetition and consistency are vital in raising a polite child.

Step 7:

Help your child recognize that politeness to others will make a person well-liked and respected in return.

Some parents feel that when a child hits a certain age, it's too late to teach politeness when they didn't teach them early on. This is untrue. It may take a little longer, since older kids are more independent than when they were 3 years old. When parents exhibit politeness, the child will also learn this behavior. If you are always being rude and displaying poor manners, then your child in turn will act this way. They cannot be expected to act politely when the parents aren't even practicing this behavior in front of them.