3 Easy Methods of Teaching Manners Activities to Toddlers
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Teaching manners activities to toddlers can be challenging. They are at the age where testing limits is all toddlers know how to do, and it can be frustrating that when you show toddlers something, it doesn’t stick.
Toddlers don’t automatically learn manners. Like many parents, we attempt to teach good techniques by punishing our toddlers when they don’t comply with directions or expectations the way we thought they would.
It’s unfair to them, but we aren’t 100% sure of other ways to do it as new parents. Some parents ignore their toddler, who isn’t the solution either and can lead to resentment as the toddler grows.
My parenting style has never been one that includes negative reinforcement. It didn’t work for me, and I know it doesn’t work well with most toddlers.
It tends to make them want to rebel against their parent’s and teachers’ boundaries to see what they can get away with. It’s a dangerous cycle. You don’t want to get it at a very early age.
This post is about teaching manners activities to toddlers.
Whether new or experienced, parents have to take a positive approach to teach good manners activities to their toddlers. Toddler parents should find that this method is much easier and more effective.
If you wonder what you can do as a toddler parent to ensure you are teaching manners activities that are effective and positive, below are a few easy and helpful recommendations for everyone.
Teaching Manners Activities that are Good for Toddlers
Be a good example. Toddlers are like sponges regarding what they see, hear and feel. It seems simple, but you would be surprised how difficult it can be.
Toddlers pick up habits based on the actions of their parents and close associates. That is why it’s essential to display the behavior you want to see in your toddler.
If you want your toddler to practice good manners, you have to show them, not tell them. A great example of this is regarding having them wear a mask.
Example of Teaching Manners Activities
Regardless of how you feel regarding the covid-19 vaccines, you have to wear a mask when entering specific public spaces. If your toddler sees you are wearing a mask and often, you have a higher probability of your toddler wearing it without giving much pushback.
A toddler might not understand why they are wearing a mask, but if they see you doing it, they know it its tried and true. There are other examples, but that one resonates the most with many people. Remember, children two years old and older have to wear a mask, so even your new toddler is a part of that crew and not exempt.
Family Manners
You might not have thought about how you treat your family in front of your toddler. Here are a few questions to think about regarding how you treat the people you care about the most:
- How do I treat my spouse or family members?
- Do I greet someone when they come to my home with respect?
- How do I ask for something?
By doing a quick self-evaluation, you can see if you display the behavior you want from your toddler. Remember, everything that you do indirectly teaches your toddler.
If you find that your “lessons” are ineffective, this would be the first step and making the change you want to see in your toddler so that you are always teaching Manners Activities that are good.
Communication is Key
Verbal and nonverbal communication speaks louder than we think. Another way we can look at teaching our good toddler manners is by communicating, giving thanks, and expressing appreciation when people treat us kindly.
Remember, regardless of where you are, your toddlers watch and learn from you.
Reacting What You Want to See
If your toddler is more visual, role-playing could be a great way of getting them to behave the way you want during specific situations.
An excellent example of this method could be role-playing an upcoming restaurant trip or a dinner at the house. If you want to start with the dinner party scenario, teach your toddler to welcome guests, make them feel comfortable, and show proper dining manners.
Depending on the age, you can also ask your toddler “what if…” questions to discuss how they would act in a given situation. Then based on your toddler’s response, offer positive feedback and help them learn the most appropriate way to behave depending on the situation.
Give Your Toddler Grace
Remember, your toddler is not an adult. Give them some grace. Toddlers are still learning how to grow up to be good members of society. By teaching them these manners activities, it’s essential to remain patient, loving, and understanding. Avoid getting frustrated with your toddler for acting “out.”
When toddlers don’t know what they’re doing, they will say and do wrong things. It’s ok, remember they are still learning. Keep everything light-hearted, and don’t take it too personally. They’re just little kids who are still learning, and it’s going to take a few tries to get it right.
Ongoing Teaching for Toddlers
Although expected to display manners, Toddlers are learning from the top, which means parents and the adults around them have to say good manners. Parents need to be the behavior they want to see to teach their toddlers correctly.
The process of teaching your good toddler manners is not easy but worth it. If you’re willing to put in the work on the front end, you will find a positive impact in the early years.
This post was about teaching manners activities to toddlers.
If you are looking for more tips on toddler behavior, this post is another excellent resource for new moms and parents alike.
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