How to Raise a Polite Child

**Collaborative Post**

AD: Good manners are something that most of us begin learning from early on they are key for socialising with others as we get older. They show respect and aside from please and thank you, there are many things that children must be mindful of when it comes to learning manners for everyday life.

This post highlights a few and features tips from a private prep school in London on how to raise a polite child and which manners are important for them to learn.

Manners

Basic manners are something that all people can learn, regardless of age or ability. Going back to basic manners, they teach children polite ways of handling situations and behaving in public that most people find acceptable and polite. A few basic manners that you could work on with your child are remembering to say please, thank you, and sorry when upsetting others.

Listening

It’s also good manners to not talk over others and interrupt conversations, this can be a hard one though for younger children as they are still learning impulse control. That means displaying patience and listening to what others have to say can be hard. Asking questions is a good way that children can show that they’re listening and understand what’s being said. 

Eye Contact

For some eye contact can be really tricky or feel awkward to do for long periods of time, However, to follow on from the point above, eye contact can be seen as important for many. It shows that we’re listening and is a large part of our body language. Likewise, looking away when others are talking to you can appear rude. To help them get better at eye contact, practice with your child at home in conversations.

Table Manners

When eating in front of others, it’s polite not to speak with a mouthful. Whilst learning this having smaller mouthfuls can help children to eat and still engage in conversations as they often struggle to wait if they are eating large mouthfuls. Devices are also a big no and should be avoided to respect others at the table, they can be distracting and stop children from thinking about how they are eating. 

Consideration for Others

Children aren't always built with lots of empathy and therefore some children and adults can struggle in helping others when it comes to certain social situations. However, what can also help children is an awareness of how those around them think/feel, including you, are immediate family. You can help your child with this by encouraging them to put themselves in others’ shoes and consider how they might feel. If you feel your child is still struggling try arranging some fun play dates at a mutual place where both kids can just let go and have fun, they will soon start learning each other. 

As with all the lessons that you teach your child, it’s important that you live by them yourself as an adult. Doing so will help reinforce them and help your child to slowly pick them up.

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