Parents feel proud when their children display good manners especially outside of the home. A good time to start is during the toddler stage. They learn best with lots of encouragement, reminders and praises.
The 10 basic social skills are:
#1: Teaching her to say “Please” and “Thank you”
This is something you can teach her when she is just learning to speak. Later on, it becomes a normal habit to say please and thank you.
photo credit: Wonderlane
#2: Teaching her to share with others
This may be hard for her to understand at first but you can start the idea with food sharing, for example. During meal times, everyone shares the food prepared on the table. Gradually introduce the idea of sharing to other things like her toys or books.
#3: Teaching her to say sorry
When you teach your child to say sorry, make sure she acknowledges her fault first. If possible, never force your child to say sorry. If she is upset, give her time to calm down and apologize later.
#4: Teaching her table manners
Start with simple table manners first like not speaking with her mouth full or playing with the food.
photo credit: tiffanywashko
#5: Teaching her to wait
Children are normally impatient by nature and wants to get their way most of the time. Teaching them early about the idea of waiting will make it easier as they get older.
As I write this article, I realize that one of my favorite phrases to my children is,” Wait first, while I finished this task.” So, they learn to wait for a few minutes.
#6: Teaching her to speak softly
At home, your child may speak loudly and happily. But outside, in public places like the library, church or doctor’s office, your child has to learn to speak softly.
photo credit: Manchester Library
#7: Teaching her not to interrupt
Children tend to interrupt when you are occupied with something like talking on the phone or cooking. Teach them to wait for a few minutes and not to interrupt when you are in the middle of something.
#8: Teaching her to consider other people’s feelings
This task will need a lot of practice. Your first step can be making your child aware about her own emotions when she is angry or upset. Later, you can relate or recall back her feelings and how other people can feel the same way too. You can explain to her that her actions or words can affect the people around her.
#9: Teaching her not to be aggressive
This task will get easier as she gets older. Whenever she behaves badly and hurts another child, reprimand her and if possible, get her to apologize to the other child.
#10: Teaching her that life does not revolve around her
Your child may be used to the idea of being the center of attention at home. However when she is outside the home, she may find it difficult to understand why she is not given the same priority. She may wonder why she does not get special treatment at another child’s birthday party, for example. In this case, distract her first and later give her an explanation.
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