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, and ways of life.
We can help our children understand that there are often
things to learn from those who lived in the past and from those
whose lives are different from our own. We can teach our
children to behave respectfully toward people and not pre-judge
them. Sometimes, however, we must make it clear that some
people behave in ways that are harmful, and such behavior
should not be tolerated.
Magic Words, Caring Deeds
The magic words are "please" and "thank you." There are
other manners we are constantly teaching our children as well.
What you'll need
Chairs
Table
Paper Pen
Crayons, markers
Plates, cups, forks, spoons
What to do
1. Show your children the manners you expect at home first.
The next time you eat dinner together, have the children
pretend they are eating in a restaurant. How should they
talk to each other? What should they say when the waiter
brings their food? Or have the children pretend they are
riding in a bus. What should they do if the bus stops
suddenly and they bump into someone? How should they carry
a large package on the bus?
2. The next time your children mention something nice that
another person did for them, suggest they write a thank
you note. It doesn't have to have a lot of words. It can
have pictures as well.
3. You, too, can write short notes to your child to indicate
your appreciation for something done right.
Children need to learn that little signs of appreciation
can be very important to other people. And manners are a part
of respecting and caring for the feelings of others. If we turn
the chore of learning manners into a game, children will get
the practice they need without embarrassing us or themselves.
As you teach the importance of manners, you may need to be
honest about what your child can expect form others.
Mom, why do you make such a fuss when I chew with my mouth
open?
Because it's ugly for other people to see. Good manners
show respect for other people.
What's respect?
It means caring how other people feel.
If I care about them, will they care about me?
Not always, Paul. Some people don't care and never will,
no matter how kind we are to them. But in our family, we do
care.
Gifts From the Heart
Have your child give a gift of himself at the next holiday
or any time he wants to do something nice for someone else.
What you'll need
Crayons, pencils, paints, or other art supplies
Paper
Packaging from around the house
Your child's special gift
What To Do
1. Talk to your child about gift giving. What does it mean to
give something to someone else?
2. Instead of buying a gift, have your child make a gift.
Does your child have a special talent? Maybe your child
would like to sing or write a song for a relative? Is
there a chore your child could do? Maybe wash the dishes
for a week. Is there a special toy that could be loaned to
a sister or brother for a week?
3. Use materials from around the house so that little, if
any, money is spent.
4. If the gift is an activity or chore, have your child
make a card with a note on it, telling what the gift will
be.
5. Have your child use imagination in making an inviting
package. Perhaps your child could paint a small rock and
wrap it in a big box. Or make an envelope out of the
comics from the Sunday newspaper.
Most young children don't have money to buy a gift for a
friend or relative. You can teach your child that a gift that
shows effort and attention can mean more than a gift from the
store.
Honesty, the Best Policy
Children need to learn that benefiting from manipulating
or lying to others is dishonest and unworthy of them.
What to do
1. Tel
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