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- Begin with two or three nice words such as "please" "thank you" and "excuse me" and then introduce more as your child begins to grasp their understanding. Children who cannot speak yet are still able to communicate these words by learning a little sign language. For example, when you say "please," make the sign for it at the same time. This reinforces the sign and the verbal word while giving your pre-verbal child a way to communicate back. As you repeat this often, your child will pick up the sign and begin to sign "please" when she asks for something.
- Be persistent and consistent. This means once you introduce manners, stick with it and rehearse the trait several times a day. Make it a part of everyone's behavior. It may take time, but young ones are smart and will get it. Teaching manners early in life will pay dividends long after they’re out of the house (not that you want to think about that yet!).
- Model the behavior and language you desire in your child. Children make you better people because they mirror the way you act.
- Provide plenty of positive feedback when they’re signing their words or demonstrating self-control such as waiting in line patiently or helping a friend put away toys. Let them know how polite and thoughtful their actions are to others.
- Have fun with it. Remember that teaching manners is often the first step in getting young ones to think beyond themselves. Some families have "anti-manners" dinners where all rules are thrown out the door. Try sticker charts to reinforce positive behavior or a "manners" month for those who may need a refresher. It won’t happen overnight, but when you see them in action, you’ll be so proud. It’s not uncommon to first see the fruits of your labor when you’re out of the house, around others, or visiting Grandma and Grandpa.
Tips
- Be your child's role model. Children generally follow their parents' examples, so be that good example.
- Use every opportunity to teach the importance of being well-mannered. With most young kids eating three meals and two snacks by 12-months of age, there will be plenty of practice.
- Say and sign "please" and "thank you" when talking to others in your world -- your spouse, relatives, friends, etc. -- so your children will witness and value what you’re teaching them. Ask caregivers to join in as well.
- Keep up with the praise, practice and patience.
- Start signing to your child as a baby. You can start as early as six months. Once they sign and understand some basic words such as "more," "eat," and "all done," then introduce "please," "thank you" and "share." You can start teaching first word signs as early as six months of age.
- The benefits of teaching your children sign language are immense. For example, you'll then be able to non-verbally remind your child to say "please" and "thank you" from across the room once they’re able to talk.
