Please & "Thank you" for Toddlers
If I have learned anything in this lifetime, is that manners are a very important part of it. My mother always said, " Manners are cheap, they don't cost a dime". This was her way of saying there is no excuse for someone not to have good manners.
I continued this tradition in my own household; this is something that needs to be started at a very early age. As your toddler starts forming and speaking words this is the easiest and the earliest time you can start. It will come easier to them, because they see and hear Mom and Dad doing the same thing. Remember that children are like sponges at this age, they absorb anything and everything around them, this is how they learn.
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Two Basic Steps
I have found the best way to start is with the basics, "Please" and "Thank you", what simple words to say, but yet they have a very powerful meaning. When your toddler hands you something say, "Thank you". When you hand them something back, remind your toddler to say "Thank you" in return. Sometimes your toddler might even think this is a game with you and that is all right too, what better way to learn, by having fun while you are doing it.
Asking nicely instead of demanding is another very basic manner that your toddler can start learning at the very early age. The power of the word "Please" means so much and without it your tone can take on that demanding sound to it. Instead of your toddler demanding you get that toy that is out of reach, ask them to say "Please". This shows your toddler that demanding a toy will leave it sitting on the shelf, but by saying "Please", should bring that toy right down to their reach.
Gentle Discipline
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