I’ve been trying to work on my kids’ manners lately and I keep hearing that positive reinforcement works better than just telling them what not to do. But honestly I’m not sure how to actually put this into practice.
Like when they do say please or thank you, what’s the best way to reinforce that without going overboard? And how do you handle it when they forget - do you still try to keep it positive somehow?
Anyone have some practical examples of what’s worked for them? My kids are 5 and 7 if that makes a difference.
Noticing good manners when they happen helps a lot. A simple acknowledgment like ‘thanks for saying please’ makes a difference. If they forget, I just model it or give a gentle nudge without making it a big deal.
My kid started using manners more naturally after I began catching those moments when he did it without being reminded. Like if he thanked the cashier or said please to his friend, I’d mention it later that day - something like ‘I noticed how polite you were at the store today.’
When he forgets, I might just pause and look at him expectantly, or sometimes I’ll model what I want to hear. He usually picks up on it pretty quickly without me having to lecture.