| Manners are something that most people learned at a | | | | discussion with your child about disabled people, be it |
| young age and remained with them the rest of their | | | | mentally or physically. Your child should learn not to |
| lives. You can begin teaching a child manners as soon | | | | stare at a disabled individual or to ask them |
| as he is old enough to understand you. | | | | embarrassing questions, although most disabled people |
| One of the first things that most parents teach their | | | | will usually appreciate the fact that your child is young |
| young children is to say "please" and "thank you." You | | | | and answer any questions as best they can. You |
| can also teach them to say "you're welcome" when | | | | should teach your child to show the same respect to |
| someone thanks them. You should explain that all | | | | these individuals as they do to everyone else. |
| these phrases display respect and appreciation. | | | | A child should also be taught to greet anyone who |
| Not interrupting when other people are speaking is also | | | | visits your house. You should explain to them that by |
| something that most parents teach children at a very | | | | greeting people, this makes the guest feel welcomed |
| young age. You should explain to the child that no one | | | | and comfortable in your home. |
| can understand what is being said if too many people | | | | Cleaning up after himself whether at home or at a |
| are talking at the same time. You should also explain | | | | friend's house is is an early step to teaching a child to |
| that he should quietly wait his turn. You can place your | | | | take responsibility. You should explain to a child that it is |
| arm around the child to assure him that you are aware | | | | polite to clean up any mess before you leave |
| that he is being patient. When it is the child's turn to | | | | someone's house as well as your own. It also shows |
| speak, pay attention to what he is saying. Point out | | | | respect for the person's house. |
| that not interrupting is a way of showing respect to | | | | You should also teach your child to be a good sport. If |
| the person who is speaking and shows an interest in | | | | he wins a game, tell him to encourage the child who |
| what they are saying. | | | | lost, while if he loses then he should congratulate the |
| Other good manners that you can teach your child | | | | winner and not sulk over it. Stress the fact that 'it is |
| include the rule of no name calling. Explain to your child | | | | only a game." |
| that even if it is meant in fun, name calling is | | | | Manners are an important tool for children to have as |
| disrespectful and can hurt the other person's feelings. | | | | they grow into adults. Teaching your child to respect |
| Reinforce the idea that your child should not make fun | | | | other people and their feelings is a key element that |
| of other children, especially in regard to their | | | | will allow your child to grow into a warm and caring |
| appearance or other factors that the other child | | | | adult. |
| cannot help. This would be a good time to have a | | | | |