Something I’ve tried to be aware of as a parent is modeling “Please” and “Thank you” for my kids. Do you ever notice people in lines at fast food places when they order and they say, “Yeah uh, gimme a number four with a diet Coke”? For some reason that has always stood out to me as being rude. Maybe it’s just the way they ask and aren’t really as self-absorbed as it sounds but that’s my point. From even before they could talk, we taught our girls to use the sign-language for “please.” They aren’t always perfect about it but every now and then Camryn will surprise us by answering “Yes, please” or “No, thank you” when we ask her something.

So how do you model it? Well by being more aware of how you talk to other people but - here’s the kicker - also how you talk to your kids. When you tell them to do something check your tone and insert a “please” and the harsh command now becomes a polite instruction. The cool thing is you can also use a forceful tone and still say please when the situation is in need of more of a stern word. (Note: If you are giving instrunction - to clean their room for example - be sure never to ASK them to clean by adding the words “Will you…” A firm “please clean your room” will do. “Now!” is optional.

So instead of yelling or dictating at your child - because they WILL model it toward their younger sibling - mind your manners and use a kind but authoritative word.