Kids need to learn manners from the very beginning. It’s important for them to share toys, take turns, never hit or name-call, and remember to say please and thank you.

Teaching them these etiquette skills can set them up for life! Using clear explanations, reminders and rewards (as needed), these good manners can become habits. Enroll your child in LLuxxall etiquette classes for kids, essential life skills with expert guidance in a positive and engaging environment.

1. Make it a game

Kids and good manners aren’t always a natural fit so turning them into polite respectful human beings may feel like a uphill battle. However, it can be easier if you make it fun and interesting rather than lecturing them or making them feel embarrassed about their behavior.

Start by teaching them how to greet people and what it means to say please and thank you. Then, move on to broader etiquette skills like table manners and behaviors appropriate for special events such as weddings or parties.

Playing games that focus on manners makes the lesson fun and engaging without feeling like a chore. Try this board game where each square represents a different bad or good manner. When you roll the dice and land on a bad manner they have to go back one space but if they roll a good manner they get to move forward two spaces!

2. Set clear expectations

From burping in public to picking their nose in front of strangers kids and good manners aren’t always a natural fit. But parents can teach their children to be polite by setting clear expectations for their behavior says etiquette expert Peggy Post.

For example, when children begin asking for things, such as food or toys they should be told they need to say “please” and “thank you” first. That’s important because kids often copy what they see their parents doing, says Knight.

You should also model good manners for your children and if you are a well-mannered person it may come naturally to them as they grow up. But don’t resort to threats, bribes or yelling to get your child to behave. That’s just more noise they’ll have to tune out.

3. Praise good behavior

Many parents fall into the trap of trying to bully their kids into having proper etiquette instead of simply teaching them how. If you make a big deal out of their mistakes or immediately punish them they may not want to work on it anymore. Instead offer clear explanations and consistent reminders and praise good behavior.

For example, if your child remembers to say “please” and “thank you,” let them know how proud you are of them you can also praise them for other behaviors such as taking off their shoes before entering someone’s home or being a considerate host at a playdate.

It’s important to remember that manners are not a competition but rather an expression of empathy and respect for others. If your child is genuinely concerned about other people’s feelings they will naturally become well-mannered.

4. Make it fun

Each family will come up with their own specific standards of manners but most agree that children should be polite and respectful. It is important to remember that teaching your child good etiquette is not a quick process and it takes time and patience.

Make sure to reinforce the behaviors you want your child to display with consistent clear explanations and a firm hand. Your kids are likely to respond best to positive feedback and rewards rather than threats, bribes or yelling.

Try using games and activities like manners bingo to encourage your children to use good manners, and praise them when they do so. Eventually, these little things will become a habit. Good manners will set your children up for success in all areas of their lives and promote a civil tone in society.

5. Keep it consistent

It can be challenging to instill good manners in children, but consistency and clear messaging will help them develop the etiquette skills they need. Try using a printable good manners chart to remind kids of polite behaviors and watch for ways that you can reinforce these behaviors in everyday life.

For example, if your child is interrupting others, remain calm and explain that it’s important to take turns speaking, as well as to let the other person finish before talking again. Avoid lecturing or threatening your child which can send the confusing message that it’s OK to be rude sometimes. Instead, teach them to think about how their actions affect other people. This will also help them build empathy. It is the key to treating others with respect and consideration.