Teaching children to say phrases like “please,” “thank you,” or “good morning” are values that we sometimes forget and don’t appreciate, even though expressing gratitude, asking for something politely, or greeting others are ways to show respect for another person.
Therefore, it is important for every parent to teach children these basic guidelines. Instilling these habits in children from an early age will make them role models for the future and will create more humane social environments, as writer Valeria Sabatier emphasizes in a report published in the Spanish magazine Mejorconsalud .
The value of teaching children to communicate
Phrases like “please,” “thank you,” or “good morning” are not just a compliment, but a way to get children thinking and moving from the usual self-focus of early childhood to acknowledging others and their needs.
Moral development in children
Lawrence Kohlberg, one of the most important authors on children's moral and ethical development, says that although there are certain differences between children and even between siblings, it is natural to follow this development to understand respect, rules, and recognition of others.
early childhood
That is, between the ages of 2 and 5, a child can only be controlled through the principle of reward and punishment; in this way, he understands that there are imposed rules that he must follow in order to gain affection and avoid reprimand.
Stage 2: 6-9 years
Here, the child enters what is called the "golden age," which occurs between the ages of 6 and 9. During this stage, the child begins to gradually reduce his focus on himself.
Stage 3: 8-10 years
Between the ages of 8 and 10, a child is already able to understand the meaning of respecting others. At this stage, they often defend their friends and siblings and become capable of determining right and wrong on a group level.
Stage Four: Adolescence
As they reach adolescence, children/youth gradually acquire their own values, moving on to criticize certain issues they consider inappropriate or offensive.
The role of courtesy in teaching values to children
When someone gives a 4-year-old a gift, it's common for parents to suggest "what to say at that moment." In this case, the child reluctantly says, "Thank you." It doesn't matter if we have to repeat it often; what's most important at this stage is for the child to learn to express gratitude on their own.
For example, when a child says "please" when asking for something from a classmate, he may discover that the classmate smiled at him because he was kind to him. All of this can reinforce strong bonds based on positive emotions.
This transition from expressing gratitude in a forced way to doing it spontaneously is a wonderful process that will have a life-changing impact; these phrases add warmth to interactions and make them easier.
respectful upbringing
The term "respectful parenting" refers to a concept coined by authors such as William Sears and John Bowlby, based on the need to foster a child's natural adaptation to his surroundings and enhance his empathy. This emotional bond will allow him to better understand the world, other people, and himself.
Respectful parenting is the foundation of a healthy attachment between parents and children, encompassing physical closeness, hugs, caresses, kind words, and constant communication. This means that proper parenting is based on positive support and patience throughout the child's learning process.
The value of teaching children simple details
When a child discovers the benefits of behaving kindly and respectfully, they will seamlessly integrate these actions into their social behavior. As educators, taking this into consideration and trying to pass on these values to our children will become a lasting legacy across generations.
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