The foundation of

manners is respect.

As your child grows, there are new ways you can teach manners:

• Teach polite words early. Two-year-olds can learn to say “please” and “thank you.”

• Encourage your child to use names. For example, “Mrs. Jones, may I . . . ?” This is a polite way to get someone’s attention.

• Don’t overdo. It’s okay if your child forgets to say “please” or makes other mistakes once in a while. You’ll both tire of manners if you require perfection.

• Be polite when you correct your child. This helps your child learn from mistakes rather than be embarrassed by them.

Remember that it takes time for preschoolers to learn manners. By being polite, you’ll set a good example.

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