Good Manners Help Preschoolers Successfully Assimilate Into Social Settings

In our modern, fast-paced, technology-driven society, teaching children manners is crucial to their successful social experience. Basic etiquette is essential to your child's social skills to adapt to the classroom and other social settings. Children who learn to interact politely with others assimilate more successfully into groups of peers and experience more positive interaction with teachers and adults.

As parents and caregivers, we play critical roles in instilling good manners in our children. The following are essential good manners to instill in your child to help them have more positive experiences in the classroom and other social settings.

Please & Thank You-

The words 'please' and 'thank you are the backbone of good manners. Broaden the words' usage to include social phrases such as "Fine, thank you," and "May, I please.." to help your child better understand how they are used in a social setting.

Good Sportsmanship-

From a young age, children understand competition. They need to learn good sportsmanship and the importance of being gracious in competition and everyday life. Begin helping your child work through feelings of disappointment at a young age to help them navigate the competitive nature of the classroom and social groups.

Speaking In Turn-

Preschool-age children are more prone to speaking out of turn than older children because they tend to express their thoughts as they occur. Children are also naturally self-centered and may need reminders to wait until someone has finished speaking instead of interrupting.

Good Table Manners-

Good table manners are appreciated whether your child is at the school cafeteria or at a family holiday meal. Basic table manners include chewing with your mouth closed, waiting until everyone has been served to begin eating, and helping to clear the table or throw away one's trash.

Treat Others As You'd Want To Be Treated-

The younger the child, the more self-centered they tend to be. Teaching empathy for others can be done by helping your child treat others as they would like to be treated. This golden rule will help your child successfully navigate the complex world of social interaction.

Good Manners On Play Dates And At School-

Remind your child to follow the rules of the classroom and on play dates when at a friend's house. Teach them to treat adults at school, on play dates, and be respectful of their surroundings. If the playdate is at your house, ensure that your child is gracious to their friend and interacts appropriately.

Children Model What They See

As a parent and caregivers, our roles are always to exhibit the behavior we want to instill in our children. The best way for children to learn good manners is to practice them ourselves whenever possible.