Let’s be honest: parenting a preschooler is like trying to reason with a tiny, irrational dictator who thinks pants are optional and ice cream is a food group. You love them to pieces, but sometimes, you just need them to act like civilized human beings, especially in public.
If you’ve ever been mortified at the grocery store while your child shouted, “MOVE, LADY!” at an unsuspecting grandma, or cringed when they wiped their spaghetti-covered hands on your brand-new shirt, you’re in the right place.
Good manners aren’t just about impressing other parents (though, let’s be real, that’s a nice bonus). They’re about raising kind, respectful little humans who won’t grow up to be that guy who chews with his mouth open at a business dinner. So, let’s dive into the top 10 manners your preschooler needs to know, ASAP!
1. Saying “Please” and “Thank You” (Without Being Reminded 5,000 Times)
You’d think these basic words would be second nature by now, but preschoolers have selective amnesia when it comes to politeness. Start making it a habit by modeling it yourself, every. single. time. And if they still forget? Enter the Magic Manners Chart, a simple sticker chart that turns saying “please” into an Olympic event (and trust me, they WILL compete).
2. Not Interrupting Like a Tiny Megaphone
Preschoolers have zero chill when they need your attention. One trick? Teach them the hand-on-arm rule: If they want to talk, they place their hand on your arm and wait. You acknowledge it with a hand squeeze, letting them know you see them. BOOM, instant manners with minimal meltdowns.
3. Table Manners (a.k.a. Not Eating Like a Wild Animal)
If mealtime looks like a scene from a nature documentary, you’re not alone. Instead of nagging, make it a game! Try the “Royal Dinner Challenge” where they have to eat like a prince or princess, fancy napkin dabbing included.
4. Sharing Without a Hostage Negotiation
Ah, sharing, the ultimate preschool battleground. The trick? Instead of forcing them to hand over their beloved toy, use the timer method: “You get five more minutes, then it’s your friend’s turn.” Add a visual timer, and suddenly, sharing isn’t a power struggle.
5. Not Commenting on People’s Appearances (Loudly, in Public)
Few things are as horrifying as hearing your child announce, “That man has a HUGE belly!” in the checkout line. The best defense? Teach them the Inside Thoughts vs. Outside Words rule: If it might make someone sad, it’s an inside thought.
6. Using an Indoor Voice (Even When They Have BIG FEELINGS)
Some kids have one volume: LOUD. Instead of shushing them constantly, try the “Whisper Game”, where they practice saying things at different volumes until they find their “inside voice.”
7. Not Grabbing Things Like a Tiny T-Rex
Preschoolers see something they want? They grab it. The solution? Teach them the “May I Have?” rule, they must ask before taking anything. Reinforce with a fun role-play game where they “earn” points for using their words instead of their hands.
8. Greeting People Instead of Hiding Behind You Like a Koala
Social skills take practice! Teach them the “Hi-5 Rule”, when someone greets them, they have three options: say “hi,” wave, or give a high-five. Even the shyest kids find one they’re comfortable with.
9. Covering Coughs and Sneezes (So the Whole Playground Doesn’t Get Sick)
If your kid is still sneezing into their hands (or worse, YOUR FACE), introduce the Vampire Sneeze, elbow up, like they’re a dramatic vampire. Bonus: It makes hygiene fun!
10. Apologizing Like They Mean It (Not Just Because You Told Them To)
A forced “sorry” is meaningless. Instead, use the “Try Again” Method, if they mumble an apology, ask them to try again with eye contact and a kind tone. It takes practice, but it works!
The Secret Weapon That Makes It All Easier
If you’re feeling like you need a little backup on this whole manners mission, let me introduce you to the Melissa & Doug Responsibility Chart. This little gem turns manners into a fun, reward-based system, because let’s be honest, stickers hold serious power in the preschool world. Parents SWEAR by it, and it makes teaching manners feel less like a battle and more like a game.
Grab one here before they’re all gone, because trust me, you’ll wish you had it sooner.
Final Thoughts
Raising a polite preschooler isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Keep reinforcing these manners with patience, consistency, and a sprinkle of humor. And when all else fails? Take a deep breath, sip your (cold) coffee, and remember: They’ll get there. Eventually.
Now, go forth and raise some mannerly little humans! Which of these manners are you working on right now? Let me know in the comments!