Curriculum Corner

Manners

Manners are important because they help children show kindness and respect to others. Saying “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” helps kids build good friendships and feel part of a caring community. Mother Teresa once said in Something Beautiful for God, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” This means even small polite words can make a big difference.

Children learn manners best by watching adults. When parents use kind words, listen patiently, and treat others with respect, children copy what they see. You can help by gently reminding your child to use polite words and praising them when they do. Reading books about kindness or talking about how to treat others nicely can also help.

Start small. Teach one or two polite words at a time, like “please” and “thank you.” Practice using them during meals, playtime, or when asking for help. You can even play pretend games to show how to be polite in different situations. Remember to celebrate and praise your child when they use their manners. Teaching manners is about helping children make the world a little more beautiful, one kind word at a time.