"Childrens Good Manners" Tis The Season How To Say Thank You

It's almost Christmas and there will be lots of family visits and many presents will be given. Do your children have good manners? How do you teach your children about good manners? This is a great time to teach your children about the importance of being polite and letting people know you are grateful. Children do not automatically have good manners installed in them, they have to be taught this behavior and then good manners need to be reinforced.

I think most parents want their children to have manners etiquette, but they just don't quite know how to go about passing them on to their children. One of the most important things children need to understand is that the best presents are kindness and consideration. Some of the best presents come from the heart, not in a package. Here are some ways to start with when teaching your children manners.

1. Always say "please" and "thank you." The best way for your children learn is by example. If you say please and thank you, your children will follow. This is the best way to teaching manners.



2. Greet visitors by looking up at their face and saying "Hello". Tell your children to always try to figure out what color a persons eyes are. This will ensure that they always make eye contact. This is all part of etiquette when greeting someone.



3. At the table, speak with an " inside voice. Using a napkin instead of your pants when your hands are dirty, is a tough thing for children. It's just a natural thing for them to wipe their hands on whatever is convienient, but it is considered bad table manners. Your fingers are not eating utensils, unless you are actually eating finger foods. Make sure they use their utensils when eating. Have your children ask to be excused before they leave the table. It may seem old fashioned, but it part of proper etiquette.



4. Have your children help clean up after a family gathering. Clean up toys that were played with or clean dishes off the table after eating. This will help teach your child to have good manners.



5. Help pick out present for family and friends. Teach them to take some time to think about what that person would really enjoy getting for a present.



6. When shopping, it is always nice to smile at a busy salesperson. You never know when you might make their day.



7. When you receive a gift, write a thank you note. If your child does not write yet, it's still great to have them color a picture or scribble a note.

Manners are not just something you do when we have holidays, but they must be practiced all year long. It is best to start young, but it is never to late to start teaching good manners. Your children might not catch on at first, but soon it will become a good habit. Be consistant and you will see results!

"Parent Your Children" 6 Ways to Terrific Parenting

Being a parent is the most difficult job you will ever face. Trial and error is inevitable when taking care of children. No child is the same and so they must be treated differently. There are many ways to be a terrific parent, here are just a few.

1. Play with your children! It doesn't matter what you play together, your child just wants to know they are important. Let them decide. This will help you learn more about your childs interests and concerns.
   
   
   
2. Take charge. As backwards as it seems, children like to have limits set for them. Children without limits don't feel secure and will generally act out in frustration and fear. Even adults in a new job, without direction can feel uneasy and fearful. You will find that children without limits will gravitate towards people who will give them structure, because they feel safe.
   
   
   
3. Eating a meal as a family. Statistics show that children who eat at the table with their families will eat healthier. It is also great for family relationships. It is a time to talk about your day. The happy and the sad. The best way to start conversation at the dinner table is to go around and have everyone tell what was the best or worst thing that happened to them today. You'll be amazed at what you learn about your children.
   
   
   
4. Let your children help. Give your children responsibility. When your child is old enough, let them help clean up their toys. Have them take their dish to the sink. This actually gives your child confidence, self-esteem and is great for their development. Start your child young and this will make your job as a parent a whole lot easier later on.
   
   
   
5. Read books together every day. Read to your baby daily. Even from the time they are just new born. Babies love to listen to their parents voice, even if they don't know what you are reading about. This will develop a love for reading books at a young age. Children who are read to will do better in school when they are older.
   
   
   
6. Say "I love you" every time you feel like it. Give hugs and kisses every time you have the chance. It is important for your child to know that you love them. This helps build self esteem and confidence also. You can never show your child that you love them too much. The more the better. Remember, they may not always be accepting of this kind of affection, so get in as much as you can while your children are young.