How to Teach a Child Saying Thank You – Easy Manners on the Go

Teaching children manners and etiquette is an essential part of their upbringing. Manners and etiquette are not just about following rules; they help children develop social skills and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for success in both personal and professional relationships. The power of “please” and “thank you” is a fundamental aspect that should be taught to children from a young age.

The best way to teach a child saying „thank you“ and „please“ is to live what you preach. We are role models for our children. Start by saying it to them (and others) in every suitable situation even before they start speaking and they will use it themselves as soon as they can say it.

So, if you are asking yourself how you can teach your child to say thank you, just start with it. Your little one will copy you in every way it can and even more so if it sees that it makes you happy with it. 

Let us take a closer look at the topic of manners, why it is not just about following rules, and what could be the problem if they are lacking. 

Key take away

To teach a child saying thank you and other manners:

• Start Early – It’s never too early to start, as soon as children start communicating, parents can encourage them to use “please” and “thank you”.
• Be a Role Model – Children learn by example, so parents must model the use of “please” and “thank you” (manners in general) in their interactions with their children and others.
• Be patient – If you are using those words all the time, there is no way your child won’t start using them as well. So be patient and give them time to learn.
• Use Real-Life Examples – Children learn best by seeing how manners and etiquette are used in real-life situations. There are many everyday situations and opportunities for teaching them.
• Treat your child at eye level and they will treat others the same. I think a respectful tone shouldn’t just be used on our elders, but for everyone around us, including our children.
• Children understand long before they speak – talk to them and make an effort to understand what they are trying to tell you. By engaging in conversation with your little ones you not only show how to listen but also that you care and encourage them to use language to communicate.

At what age should a child say please and thank you?

The age at which a child begins to say please and thank you varies greatly, as it depends on a variety of factors such as the child’s developmental stage and the family’s cultural background. However, it’s never too early to start teaching children the importance of these two powerful words. In general, children can start to understand and use simple social cues, like please and thank you, from as early as two years old.

Should children be taught to say please and thank you?

Definitely! Teaching children to say please and thank you is an important part of their social and emotional development. It helps them to understand the power of politeness and kindness and to develop positive relationships with others. Saying please and thank you shows respect for others and makes interactions more pleasant and positive.

What are the 5 most important manners a child should be taught?

It is good for children to learn some social rules from an early age, as good manners and etiquette are essential for success in both personal and professional relationships. Because let’s face it life is a lot easier if you hit the right tone with people. While there are many manners kids should learn, the following are five of the most important:

Saying “Please” and “Thank You” 

As we mentioned in the introduction, the power of “please” and “thank you” cannot be overstated. It is something that will be registered fast when it is missing.

Greeting Others

Children should be taught to greet others appropriately. This includes making eye contact. Just think about someone you know, walking past you without greeting and you see why it is important for everyday interaction.

Table Manners

Kids should be shown basic table manners, such as using utensils properly, keeping their elbows off the table, and not talking with food in their mouths.

Using Polite Language 

Children should learn to use polite language, including saying “excuse me” when interrupting. And also saying „sorry“ when they are. I’m not one for saying you should excuse for everything, but if you messed up or hurt someone, expressing that you are sorry, goes a long way.

Listening and waiting their turn

Learning to listen is a very valuable trait. It shows consideration and respect to wait your turn and not interrupt others, but listening is also an opportunity for kids to learn from all the people around them.

By teaching children these five manners and etiquette skills, parents can help them develop essential social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Additionally, as I mentioned before, parents must model good manners and etiquette themselves, as children learn by example.

Teaching children the power of “please” and “thank you” not only helps them build strong relationships with family and friends but also sets them up for success in academic and professional settings.

What causes a child to be rude?

Many factors can contribute to a child being rude, such as a lack of parental attention or guidance, peer pressure, and exposure to negative behaviors from friends, family, or media. 

However, it’s important to understand that rudeness in children is not always intentional and can sometimes stem from a lack of understanding or social skills. Often it is just that they didn’t have a role model living kindness and respect. 

And respect goes both ways, children are persons with needs and have to be respected too. It is sad to see how often parents use clipped, military-like orders with their children instead of asking nicely or explaining why they want something to be done. 

„Because I said so“, is not an acceptable reason. If that is the only one you got, you may need to think about dropping the matter or finding a reason. 

By giving your child reasons for your rules, they are not only more likely to follow them, but you are also helping them to understand your decision and thereby learn to make better decisions themselves. 

Summary

“Please” and “thank you” are two of the most powerful words in our language. By using these words, children can communicate their needs and express gratitude in a way that is both respectful and effective.

Just be patient, it doesn’t happen overnight, and reacting too strongly to mistakes they make can make them insecure rather than improve the way they behave.

If a child is very shy don’t force them to interact. Give them the chance, but help them out if they need it. If you give them the time to watch and adapt they will grow more secure and will start to interact on their own.

By incorporating manners and etiquette into their everyday lives, children can learn to interact positively with others, build self-confidence, and develop crucial social skills. Additionally, learning good manners and etiquette can benefit children in academic and professional settings, where the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully is vital.

As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children these essential skills. By modeling good manners and etiquette ourselves and emphasizing the power of “please” and “thank you” in our interactions with our children and others, we can help them build a strong foundation for success in all areas of their lives.