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Home › Articles › Discipline › Ps and Qs

Ps and Qs

Teaching Toddlers Good Manners

By Lisa A. Goldstein

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Jones says not to fret if your child struggles with the concept of sharing; this is to be expected. "Do, however, begin to stress the importance of sharing during these years," says Jones. "Instruct your child to give back a toy he takes without asking. Help your child play fairly. Teach your child to wait his turn. By the age of 3, these acts can be understood, even if not always applied."

It's during this stage that children love to help with chores. Permit them to do whatever their age and interest level allows, says Jones. "Begin by having your toddler 'help' you put away his toys and other personal items," she says. "Gradually allow him to do these tasks more independently."

Ultimately, teaching good manners boils down to three things: starting early, being consistent and being a good role model. Explaining the whys behind good manners such as covering your mouth when you sneeze so toddlers can comprehend makes sense, as long as you stick to concrete, kid-friendly terms and avoid lengthy, abstract explanations.

"The toddler years are full of wonder and a myriad of new learning opportunities," says Jones. "Introduce the concept of mannerly living with a fun, positive 'this is just the way things are done' kind of attitude, and you will be well on your way to taming your family zoo and raising a well-mannered child."

Melissa Leonard, a certified business etiquette and international protocol consultant, provides the following general guidelines for good behavior:

Your 6-to-12-month-olds should:
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