'Tis the Season for Some Manners
http://www.ezilon.com/articles/articles/8064/1/'Tis-the-Season-for-Some-Manners
By Jenny Hodges
Published on 11/30/2007
It has happened to us all, the family is gathered, little Johnny excitedly rips off the decorative bow and paper, squeals with delight over the toy, and immediately rushes on to the next present. Poor Aunt Betty, she doesnt get a thank you, a hug, or any other acknowledgement of her generosity. Mom and Dad are embarrassed and a bit frustrated with Johnny, yet he is oblivious to it all!
Parents want their children to remember to say please or thank you and often times when a child forgets to use their manners, parents give a strong look or a quick, What do you say? These types of reminders can be embarrassing for the child. A simple, fun, and effective way to teach and reinforce manners, not only for the holidays, but for day-to-day activities is to teach children the American Sign Language signs for manners.
Psychologist Sonja Benson, Ph.D, PLLC says, When children learn and use manners it helps children interact socially in a way that will increase their likelihood of positive interactions and better relationships. Who doesn't like a person who says please and thank you?
Teaching some basic ASL signs is not only fun, but can have a lasting, positive effect on children. Some great manner signs to teach your children include please, thank you, and youre welcome.
Here are a few tips to make signing successful:
When your child brings you a toy, or helps you in some way, say and sign thank you.
When your child asks for a snack, drink, or a toy, show them the sign for please and remind them it is important to say (or sign) please when asking for something.
Talk about the holidays and practice what signs/manners your child can use after opening a present.
Provide a variety of opportunities to model and practice signs. Dr. Benson adds, Adults need to do their part to help these manners become habit by noticing when they are used and commenting along the lines of "I like it when you say please. That was nice." or "Grandma really feels good when you say thank you for the gift she gave you."
Provide positive feedback when your child is using their manners.
It is natural for children to need reminders for using manners. Dr. Benson says, An unobtrusive signed reminder is a nice way of giving a nudge without it really seeming like a reminder was needed. Kids can use their manners without looking like they had to constantly be prompted.
For a FREE Signs For Manners Handout or for more information about using sign language with children, contact jenny@kidslovetosign.com
To contact Dr. Benson, email sbensonphd@msn.com
Parents want their children to remember to say please or thank you and often times when a child forgets to use their manners, parents give a strong look or a quick, What do you say? These types of reminders can be embarrassing for the child. A simple, fun, and effective way to teach and reinforce manners, not only for the holidays, but for day-to-day activities is to teach children the American Sign Language signs for manners.
'Tis the Season for Some Manners
It has happened to us all, the family is gathered, little Johnny excitedly rips off the decorative bow and paper, squeals with delight over the toy, and immediately rushes on to the next present. Poor Aunt Betty, she doesnt get a thank you, a hug, or any other acknowledgement of her generosity. Mom and Dad are embarrassed and a bit frustrated with Johnny, yet he is oblivious to it all!
Parents want their children to remember to say please or thank you and often times when a child forgets to use their manners, parents give a strong look or a quick, What do you say? These types of reminders can be embarrassing for the child. A simple, fun, and effective way to teach and reinforce manners, not only for the holidays, but for day-to-day activities is to teach children the American Sign Language signs for manners.
Psychologist Sonja Benson, Ph.D, PLLC says, When children learn and use manners it helps children interact socially in a way that will increase their likelihood of positive interactions and better relationships. Who doesn't like a person who says please and thank you?
Teaching some basic ASL signs is not only fun, but can have a lasting, positive effect on children. Some great manner signs to teach your children include please, thank you, and youre welcome.
Here are a few tips to make signing successful:
When your child brings you a toy, or helps you in some way, say and sign thank you.
When your child asks for a snack, drink, or a toy, show them the sign for please and remind them it is important to say (or sign) please when asking for something.
Talk about the holidays and practice what signs/manners your child can use after opening a present.
Provide a variety of opportunities to model and practice signs. Dr. Benson adds, Adults need to do their part to help these manners become habit by noticing when they are used and commenting along the lines of "I like it when you say please. That was nice." or "Grandma really feels good when you say thank you for the gift she gave you."
Provide positive feedback when your child is using their manners.
It is natural for children to need reminders for using manners. Dr. Benson says, An unobtrusive signed reminder is a nice way of giving a nudge without it really seeming like a reminder was needed. Kids can use their manners without looking like they had to constantly be prompted.
For a FREE Signs For Manners Handout or for more information about using sign language with children, contact jenny@kidslovetosign.com
To contact Dr. Benson, email sbensonphd@msn.com