Results tagged “manners” from Momtourage: Need Advice?

Exposure, exposure, exposure. Kids are outstanding imitators. They imitate whatever they see, whether it's positive, negative or neutral.

Teenagers will test you. They'll try out bad language and bad behavior at home, just like little kids will try out potty language at home. They know you won't disown them. It's a safe place. Nevertheless, even if you won't disown them, it's important for you to respond consistently: "We don't talk like that around here." If the bad language doesn't gain them anything and doesn't create a scene, they're more likely to stop using it.

If you ask a group of kids how you should handle your niece, one of them will probably say, "Don't send any more presents." My advice is a little softer. I suggest you let the niece know that you're expecting a thank you for your gift this year -- and if there is none, you won't be sending gifts in the future.

You can start when they are infants. Begin by establishing a culture of respect and consideration early on. You can do this by showing respect and consideration for everyone (including the baby) in the household. "Please" and "thank you" go a long way to creating that atmosphere of respect. "Please" turns a demand into a request and "thank you" shows appreciation. Requests and appreciation are essential parts of a culture of respect and consideration. So make it a habit.