Dear Parents,
Courtesy: IS IT BEING POLITE? USING GOOD MANNERS AT ALL TIMES? THINKING OF OTHERS BEFORE OURSELVES? THE ANSWER IS YES – COURTESY IS ALL OF THOSE THINGS!
This month we are learning the value of courtesy. Similar to respect, courtesy refers to how we treat others. You’ve probably already taught your child about courtesy through teaching them good manners. You can continue to support their development of this trait.
How can you help?
- Show courtesy yourself. You are your child’s first and foremost role model – use that power for good!
- If your child struggles to remember a particular manner, instead of disciplining them, make a game of it. For example, maybe they have a hard time remembering to say, “Thank you” at the dinner table (or in general). The next time you have a family dinner, see who can go the longest without forgetting a “Thank you” and be sure to pepper in plenty of opportunities for everyone to say it! Or, see who can say “Thank you” the most times. Kids will go out of their way to come up with silly reasons to thank others and to be thanked and will be giggling by the end. This is an extra bonus: You want them to associate courtesy with positive emotions!
- Challenge your child before you go out in public: “What are three ways we can show courtesy?” Maybe that is holding the door for someone, saying “Thank you,” to the grocery bagger, or saying, “Please,” when they request a certain item.