How to teach standards of courtesy to children
Good manners are part of the rules of coexistence within society. For this reason, it is important to teach standards of courtesy to children from a young age so that they know what are the appropriate behaviors according to the different environments and situations in which they find themselves. Wi
Good manners are part of the rules of coexistence within society. For this reason, it is important to teach standards of courtesy to children from a young age so that they know what are the appropriate behaviors according to the different environments and situations in which they find themselves.
Within public transport, neighborhood communities, walking on the street, at the table, etc. All the places that we must share with other people need rules and regulations to regulate and make coexistence work.
A child who learns rules of courtesy will make his development more viable and will help him to find his place in society more easily since these norms will be a key element for his social success.
The rules of courtesy are learned from very young
Children are not born knowing the rules of courtesy, or good manners. We can not ask a baby not to burp, do not touch the food with his hands, do not cry in public places in case someone gets upset, etc. In fact they need to do it since it is the only way they have to interact with the environment that surrounds them.
As they grow older, the little ones should be taught. This moment depends on the maturity of the child. The way children learn is through observation, so it is important that parents, other family members such as uncles and grandparents, and then, from school, teachers, are the people who are responsible for explaining and teaching These rules of courtesy. It must be taken into account:
- Say hello, ask for forgiveness, give thanks, etc. will be customs that can be learned from 2 years, but without forcing them to do so and being understanding as it will be counterproductive.
- As you grow older you can extend these rules of behavior such as greeting neighbors, not shouting, not interrupting conversations, etc.
- Children should not be overwhelmed with infinite rules because depending on the stage of development they are in, they will be able to follow them all.
How to teach standards of courtesy to children
Getting a child to know how to use good manners is not a matter of chance. Behind this achievement there is an important work on the part of the family and the teachers.
- Be an example. Courtesy rules are not just rules of conduct, they have their fundamental basis in the education of values such as respect, kindness, recognition, gratitude or consideration and to teach it, the tool of parents will be the example.
- Give love. Express love and love towards children in all possible ways.
- Praise. El Praise is positive stimuli that facilitate development and provide the child with the necessary self-esteem to acquire good manners. - Be patient and consistent
so that children learn that the rules of courtesy are very important. -
Explain the importance of courtesy rules for coexistence and the consequences of not using them. How to practice the rules of courtesy with children
In addition to teaching good manners it is important that children put them into practice on a day-to-day basis. One way to make the child participate and to see the results of his behavior in an "explicit" manner is to create a reward system where for each situation where he behaves in an "appropriate manner" such as saying thanks when appropriate, say hello, no interrupt a conversation etc.
In addition, these real situations such as shopping or going out to a restaurant will be the perfect scenarios for the child to remember and put into practice the rules he is learning.
