Manners to be enforced in preschool years:
Do not make fun of someone’s appearance or call names: As mentioned, children are bound to say anything that crosses their minds. It is important to teach a child that insulting someone is unacceptable. A child may not understand she is insulting someone but only pointing out a fact such as someone has a large nose or is overweight. A child also may not understand that laughing at another person is hurtful. Children are egocentric and need constant direction in this area. Take swift action if your child insults another person or child. Let her know it is hurtful and ask her how she would feel if someone said that about her. In addition, a child should never call someone names. Children often think what we know as inappropriate is funny. Explain to them that calling a person a name is not funny but hurtful and wrong.
“Thank you for having me”: After your child attends a birthday party or visits a friend’s house direct her to tell the adult in charge that she is thankful for having been invited.
Always knock: Children do not understand the value of privacy. They also may not understand modesty or what can go on behind closed doors. Due to this they often burst in a room without knowing and waiting to be told it is acceptable to come in. Instruct your child that a closed door requires knocking and a response from the person on the other side before entering.
All gifts are to be received with gratitude: Children see a gift for its material value. So to a child showing disappointment or expressing disappointment may not seem rude. You must teach your child that all gifts are an expression of love. Explain to her that she may not like the gift itself but the giver loves her and went through a lot of trouble to pick it out. A child needs to understand the meaning of a gift to learn to be truly thankful.
What’s in a word: A child needs to learn which words are acceptable in your house and which are not. They hear words everyday and without context or instruction they may use a word inappropriately or in an offensive manner.
Sneezes and Coughs: Teach your child to cover her nose when she sneezes or her mouth when she coughs. The best way is to cover with your face with your arm and not your hand since you will then touch something else. The sooner you reinforce this the sooner it will become a habit.
Converting an Oatmeal Box into Preschool Fun