Manners maketh man

Every parent has experienced their child having a meltdown in a public place – a toddler tantrum in the supermarket or an argument over their pleases and thank yous.

The Christmas period is a time when children’s manners are really put to the test. Often they’re expected to sit quietly in church, wait patiently for lunch to be served to everyone before starting and saying thank you when they receive a gift – even ones they don’t like.

New research from childcare agency, Tinies has revealed that 80% of parents said manners are very important in children, but a third (32%) of parents believe that children have NO manners today compared with 20 years ago.

Just as a child with bad manners leaves a lasting impression, so too does a child who is polite and helpful but how do you ensure children’s manners are up to scratch this festive season?

Kristen Harding, from Tinies, offers her advice. “We expect less from children these days than we have in the past,” she says. “Children always test boundaries, and are constantly learning so you can’t expect them to just know how to act. You need to set expectations before an event or situation.

People believe it’s down to parents to teach their children manners, so be a role model. If you say thank you when receiving a gift or offer to lay the table, your child will mimic your behaviour.

If you’re in a public place and your child is not demonstrating good manners, don’t be afraid to pull them up on it. Your expectations need to be consistent if you want your children to learn them.

If you expect pleases and thank yous, let them know what for and you need to make sure it happens every time – even if you have to ask them to do it.