Magic Words, Caring Deeds

Magic Words, Caring Deeds


The magic words are "please" and "thank you." There are
other manners we are constantly teaching our children as well.


What you'll need

Chairs
Table
Paper Pen
Crayons, markers
Plates, cups, forks, spoons


What to do


1. Show your children the manners you expect at home first.
The next time you eat dinner together, have the children
pretend they are eating in a restaurant. How should they
talk to each other? What should they say when the waiter
brings their food? Or have the children pretend they are
riding in a bus. What should they do if the bus stops
suddenly and they bump into someone? How should they carry
a large package on the bus?

2. The next time your children mention something nice that
another person did for them, suggest they write a thank
you note. It doesn't have to have a lot of words. It can
have pictures as well.

3. You, too, can write short notes to your child to indicate
your appreciation for something done right.





Children need to learn that little signs of appreciation
can be very important to other people. And manners are a part
of respecting and caring for the feelings of others. If we turn
the chore of learning manners into a game, children will get
the practice they need without embarrassing us or themselves.

As you teach the importance of manners, you may need to be
honest about what your child can expect form others.

Mom, why do you make such a fuss when I chew with my mouth
open?

Because it's ugly for other people to see. Good manners
show respect for other people.

What's respect?

It means caring how other people feel.

If I care about them, will they care about me?

Not always, Paul. Some people don't care and never will,
no matter how kind we are to them. But in our family, we do
care.