Home = 
Relaxation. Moms all know its true- when you get home you are in a judgement free zone. You don’t have to constantly be watching your kids to tell them to stop this or do that because there is no mean little old lady staring you down from across the aisle of Target. At home you can relax and ease off your kids and (believe it or not) let them be kids!! Its really important that you let your kids have time to play without constantly being corrected or telling them no. BUT there will also be a time when you aren’t with you kids and you need them to know how they should behave. Here are some quick and easy manners to start working on with your kids so that next time you are at Target your daughter doesn’t ask the woman in front of you in the checkout line why she has two chins. Yeah. That happened.
For ages 3-5 years:
- Say please when you are asking for something
- Say thank you when you get it
- Ask before you touch
- Use a napkin and try not to make a big mess at mealtimes
- Close your mouth when you chew
- Be polite on the phone
- Clear your plate and take it to the sink
- Hold the door for others
- Introduce yourself
For ages 6-8 years:
- Don’t use foul language
- Show respect for others
- Return things you borrow
- Write thank you notes
- Be polite when someone is serving you
- Don’t interrupt
- Ask to be excused from meals
- Shake hands when you meet someone
- Hug and kiss a grandparent or other close relative
For ages 12+ years:
- Stand when an elder enters the room
- When you have a guest over, ask to take their coat or if they would like a drink
- Put away phones at mealtimes and other times when the family is together
- Offer your seat to an elderly or handicapped person
- Don’t expect others to clean up after you especially when you are away from home
- Consider your phone’s audio level in public places (don’t disturb others)
You are probably thinking all of these are easier said than done. And you’re right. Its dang hard to get our little hoodlums to think about the needs of people they know, much less strangers. But you have to start somewhere. One day you will see your 12 year old son give his seat on a bench to an old lady, and your heart will burst. But until then, keep teaching him and reminding him. Fake it til you make it!
About Brittany:
Brittany was born and raised in Alabama. She is a Wife and Mama of two sweet babies- her son John is two years old and her daughter Annie is ten months old. She is pursuing her degree in Home and Family Studies with an emphasis on Child Development from BYU. She is looking forward to writing for Birmingham Mommy in preparation for graduation in the Fall of 2016.
