1. Pre-frame: Start the week by telling your child “This week WE are going to learn all about manners”. Tell them that WE are going to learn this together. The ‘WE’ part is important.

2. Explain: Then explain to your child what the term ‘Manners’ means. Recite this definition of manners with them once and have them repeat after you: “Manners are behaviors and actions that show consideration and respect to others”. In other words, treating others like you want to be treated.

3. Ask: Now start raising the curiosity by asking the following questions. Don’t worry even if you can’t remember all 5 questions, you can just ask any one of those questions. Keep in mind that he/she may not answer that question but subconsciously the little one will be searching for those answers. So here are the questions (Answer Key)…

1. What are good manners? Can you give me an example of it?

2. Why do you think manners are important?

3. Where should you use good manners?

4. When should you use good manners?

5. Who should you use good manners with?

4. Reward: Tell them that as they learn about manners and use good manners, they will be rewarded at the end of the week. Every time they use one of the mannerly words or mannerly actions they will get a check mark on this manners chart (Please see below). When they have earned 20 check marks they will get something that they love because they have earned their reward. Chose a reward that your child likes. E.g. an evening in the park, an educational show, an ice cream… you get the theme.

5. Lead: Lead by example. Practice what you are preaching. Children learn a lot by emulating parents. When you lead by example you will realize that not only your children are learning but you are also sharpening your leadership skills.

Finally, here are 3 hidden gems of good manners that are subtle but very very effective. These are secret manners that will give them super powers to win friends.

– SMILE:   When you smile it makes people feel good and makes them attracted to you.

– GREET:  Greet or introduce yourself when you meet someone new. e.g. Hi, I am Sam. It is nice to meet you.

– NOD:      During a conversation when you give feedback by nodding to the other person the conversation becomes more engaging.

Resources:

1. What are good manners? Can you give me an example of it? Then talk to your child about common examples in his/her life. After that explain to them that manners can be expressed through words or actions. e.g. Saying please, thank you, you are welcome, opening the door for someone, waiting for others before you start eating your food, etc.

2. Why do you think manners are important? Manners are important because they make other people feel good. Manners put a smile on other people’s face. Manners make it easy for people to forgive. Manners will help one get second chances in life. Manners will help one win more friends.

3. Where should you use good manners? We should use manners everywhere. At school, at home, at grocery stores, at the playground, at the dinner table.

4. When should you use good manners? All the time. In the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, it is

5. Who should you use good manners with? The answer to this is counter intuitive. Start with the people you love the most. Mom, dad, siblings, teachers, friends. Then expand to people you do not know.

Action item for the writer: Insert a reward sheet with following words or create super hero characters with these terms:

Please

Thank You

You Are Welcome