Having no clear sense of right and wrong, preschool children would simply do as they please without knowing that they are already crossing boundaries. The simple gesture of covering one’s nose and mouth while sneezing or saying “Po” and “Opo” when speaking to adults do not instantly cross a preschool child’s mind. It is up to the adults around the child to set good examples to follow.
Taking the lead
Most people say that good manners are learned from home. Parents must therefore take the lead in showing their children why good manners are important. Since preschool children learn by mimicking what they see, it is important that we as parents become good role models to a preschool child.
Take the initiative to show your preschool child proper etiquette. Be the first one to say “Please” when making requests, or say “Thank you” when showing gratitude. Preschool children, as young as they may be, would love to do and say what is right when taught properly.
Your child’s preschool teacher is likewise equally responsible in reinforcing good manners in school. However, a parent should not leave it up to the teacher to introduce proper etiquette to her preschool child. Working hand-in-hand with your preschool child’s educators will further strengthen the lessons you taught your child at home.
Making your expectations clear
As much as we would want our children to behave properly at all times, we cannot possibly control every little action that our preschool children make. Parties, shows, and other social functions can be stressful to some children, making them more likely to throw tantrums or be rude in the presence of other people. A preschool child can be taught about how to deal with these things early on when parents are clear with the expectations they have for their children.
Good manners need to be practiced, and your preschool child must be exposed to it at home before he could carry it out in public. A young child learns mostly from his parents during his early years. Introduce proper manners to your child by modeling it yourself and watch your little one blossom into one confident individual.
