Are your kids ready for all of the social challenges awaiting them this year in school? Together we can get them (and you) prepared.
Be a Positive Example
Manners start at home. The way you act around your kids and the way your kids see you act around others is the foundation of their manners and thus their future. Think about your typical morning routine. Are you organized and focused? Do you stay calm when time starts getting away from you? Do you give your children the attention, time, and physical contact they need and desire? By making time for your children, whether joining them at the table for breakfast, chatting during the drive to school verses being on the telephone, or sitting down this them after school to debrief and share their day, shows them they are valuable as well as teaches them how to value others.
Another aspect of manners is being able to respect others. The way your children will gauge your respect for others will, in part, be influenced by how they see you treat everyday situations; traffic laws, crossing guards, or meeting deadlines/appointments. If you think it is okay to disrespect authority, they will too.
Talk to Your Kids about Manners
Talk to your kids about manners. Teach them the three R's before they get to school: Respect for self; Respect for others and to accept Responsibility for all their actions. Talk to them and show them how to develop strong character and personal integrity, and share your knowledge and your skills to the best of your ability.
Some basics to reinforce in and out of the classroom:
Be on time
Don't tell lies - to anyone
Don’t answer back
Don’t be noisy or disruptive
Co-operate with others
Pay attention and be present
Don’t talk while others are speaking
Don’t fight, pull, push or shove anyone. Don’t steal from anyone
Never bite anyone
Pick up your own litter
