Good manners are an essential and expected developmental goals for the members of a civilized social system. Every person comes to learn and understand how complex social interactions can be. An upbringing that bestows proper social etiquette and behaviors is what allows society to function coherently and cooperatively.

If your child isn’t brought up with modeling of appropriate manners and socially acceptable behaviors, this can lead to a slew of social problems, both immediately and down the road. If your child does not learn the skills for how to behave around other people, it will make it very difficult for him or her to make friends, secure gainful employment, start a family, and stay out of both legal and personal troubles.

It may be hard to determine which values are most important to instill in your children, and which lessons will allow them to thrive and be successful. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you! You will find that teaching your kids these ten manners will help your child gain wisdom and grow up to be a respectful, compassionate adult.

Consideration for others

Being considerate is an incredibly important social virtue for children to understand, especially from an early age. Learning to think about others and how they think, feel, and react is one of the most essential things for children to learn in order to help them develop good manners and work well with others.

This important life skills is also called empathy. Most children naturally understand empathy to an extent, and practice it during social interactions. However, this understanding is rudimentary and sometimes abandoned in the pursuit of personal gratification.

You can help children learn how to be mindful of others by teaching them simple positive habits, like holding the door open  for others who are walking in behind them, using polite words like “please” and “thank you” when asking for or receiving something, and making eye contact when speaking directly to someone.

Listening when others are talking

It can be very easy for a child to overlook this important attribute, and it can take some time and practice for children to consistently demonstrate. Children are often so full of energy, eagerness to interact with others, and excitement about new discovering new things that they may blurt out what they are thinking on the spot.

This impulsivity may cause children to overlook the consequences of their actions. Teach your children that if they interrupt others when they are talking, it keeps them from being able to express their own wonderful discoveries and feelings, and that this is impolite.

 Teach children that it makes it difficult to carry on a conversation with someone who interrupts them  because the other person can’t get across what they want to say. Help children understand that when they stay silent when others speak, people can actually talk come to understand one another.

 Be careful with what you say

Choosing our words carefully builds upon the concept of understanding the consequences of our actions. It is very important to teach your children that, in addition to learning when to speak, it is also important to learn what to say, if anything at all.

Teach your children that sometimes, the things we observe, think, and feel about a person might not always be the nicest or most considerate things to say out loud to someone, even if they feel very strongly about the other person. Teach children to consider their opinions about other people, and how it might feel if hurtful things things were said to them.

Remind children to withhold saying things that might hurt others’ feelings , as best simplified in the adage: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then say nothing at all.”

Respect differences of the opinions 

When explaining this concept to young children, it’s important to illustrate  that differences in how people think, act, and feel should be celebrated and respected.

If your child hears someone say something that they disagree with, show them how they can be respectful of differing feelings and opinions, even if they disagree with them. Show children that they can still disagree and thus show respect for THEIR own feelings and thoughts without needing to force others how to feel and think.

An excellent way to help children understand this concept is to teach them how to debate and contrast their feelings and views with those of others. Explain to children how they can express their own different views and opinions without being overly forceful or dominating.

Finally, it’s also important to teach children the value of standing up for what they think is right, and to take a stand against what they feel is wrong. This life skill involves allowing for the possibility of conflict and may seem to contradict the principle of respect for others’ opinions.

However, you can teach your children that they can show respect for others by showing themselves that same respect. After all, how can you respect others when you don’t show yourself the same respect?

You also teach children respect for others by being willing to correct them when they are wrong. Why would you allow someone you respect to suffer for a mistake on their own part when given the chance to correct it in time?

When teaching children (or anyone), it’s important to be tactful. Some of these lessons and good manners are things that some adults even struggle to understand! Children don’t learn concepts things like this right away.It will take time, experience, and practice. Additionally, it takes input and insight from others to properly mold and shape your young ones into responsible and well-adjusted adults show can seamlessly integrate and function within modern society.

Here at Children Central, we value the importance of instilling in kids good manners and positive values. Please feel free to give us a call for more information. 

 

There are so many emotions that a child feels as they go to school for the first time. They become anxious, nervous, or uneasy. They have this thinking that they would never see their parents again. And the thought of being in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by many new faces could scare them. [Read more…] about Dealing with Child Separation Anxiety at Drop Off

Throughout the year, people celebrate a number of different holidays. Be Black Friday or Thanksgiving, people have assigned almost every single day to any holiday that they could think of. But what’s so special about chocolate to have a day for it?

[Read more…] about Top 3 Recipes to Make for National Chocolate Cake Day

The holiday season is the time to give and receive gifts, such as books, toys, and movies. Children look at different toys that shine in malls that make their eyes sparkle with joy. Parents, on the other hand, worry about the safety of the toys they buy.

What are the best gift ideas?

Approximately 10 years ago, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported around 251,700 toy-related injuries treated in emergency rooms in different hospitals. Around 72% of the casualties included youngsters below 15 years of age. Toy makers want to prevent these injuries since it affects the children that want toys and the parents who purchase them as gifts.

How to carefully inspect toys?

Aside from enjoying shopping trips to the mall, make sure that you raise awareness of this issue for other families you know.

Make sure to inspect the toys before you buy them. Try to avoid toys with sharp edges, lots of little parts, or parts that can be easily pulled off. (Especially if it’s for a baby or toddler)

1. Check the labels for recommended ages and skill level. Make sure the age and skill indicated are appropriate for your child.
2. Look for the label that says ATSM which means American Society for Testing and Materials. This ensures the toy manufacturer complied with quality requirements.
3. Parents should try out the toys before buying them.
4. Refrain from buying toys that contain cords and ropes that can be harmful to kids. Also, avoid coloring materials that do not show non-toxic labels.

What are the best Christmas gift ideas?

With Christmas nearly here, parents swarm to the nearest mall. It can get crazy browsing every shelf, rack, and department. To avoid long lines, prepare a list of all the toys that you intend to buy beforehand. Read through this list of gift ideas to make shopping easier.

For 5 year old children

Every parent wants their young children to continue building their skills in time for school.

Pedal bicycle (with training wheels)

Every child longs to have independence during their childhood. When they receive their first bicycle, they feel excited even if they don’t know how to ride. Bicycles symbolize independence, transportation, and mobility. It teaches kids about safety, basic rules and regulations, and even discipline. Find a bicycle that is safe for children.

Gonge river stones

Back in the day, children use to pretend that the floor was lava. Through their imagination, they be anything they want, from superheroes to super villains. These river stones amplify their imagination and present a physical challenge. Whether kids play indoors or outdoors, this toy gives a safe experience.

Children develop their balance and coordination from this game. They learn to adapt to the environment and survive an obstacle course with their friends. Some use this in physical and occupational therapy since it aids in the development of physical attributes. Other teachers use these stones in PE classes.

Teepee playhouse

Teepees give children their own privacy and space. Here, they can decorate and fill it with their favorite toys. Some children bring their best friends and talk about how their day went.

Children with great imaginations enjoy this kind of gift. Other times, parents encourage their children to read whenever they spend time inside. To most children, when they get their own, it’s their safe haven.

Coloring books and crayons

For those who indulge in arts and crafts, coloring materials, such as crayons and oil pastels entice them to be creative. These are best when paired with coloring books. Coloring books come in different themes, like animals, fairytale characters, or even popular people. The more children color books, the more they exercise their color coordination and cognitive skills.

Remember to always check the labels and observe the packaging of toys before buying. Ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for children. Let’s continue to raise awareness and educate people about obtaining safe and quality toys.

Circle time is important for infants and toddlers. It engages them in activities that help them to learn and grow. At the Langhorne Preschool, it is an important part of our daily routine for children. Below are thirteen excellent circle time ideas for infants and toddlers.

1. Song Board

Having a “song board” that lets children pick the song their group sings is a fun activity.  This is a good idea for preschoolers.

2. Story Time

Telling a story and letting children add characters and settings keeps the children engaged. It is fun for them and for you! You are also less likely to lose their attention.

3. Coloring Sheets or Books

This activity promotes artistic creativity and hand-eye coordination in children. It also allows them to create something on their own. Provide them with all the tools necessary and let them create! At the Langhorne Preschool, this is a daily part of our curriculum.

 

 

4. Playing Simple Musical Instruments

Give the children instruments that are easy to play. Doing this allows them to have fun while socializing with others. It also teaches them about the many different musical instruments and sounds they make. This keeps them busy and entertained!

5. Magnetic Letters

Use magnetic letters to allow children to spell out simple words. Give some examples that they can copy.  let them associate letters and words with pictures.  This will teach them basic language skills.  Be sure every child gets a chance to arrange the letters at least once.

6. Weather Spinwheel

Make a simple spin wheel and talk about the different kinds of weather.  Use fun props for special effects.  A spray bottle for rain,  cotton balls for clouds and a fan for wind are simple and engaging .  As far as circle time ideas for preschoolers go, this is one of the easiest and most fun!

7. Color and Shape Cube

Create a cube from an empty box.   Put shapes in different colors on each side. Have each child roll the cube and describe the color and shape that they get.  In our Langhorne child care programs, we teach shapes and colors as one of our main focuses with infants and toddlers.

8. Puppet Shows

Put on a puppet show for your children! Colorful socks or oven mits can make great puppets.  Make sure the show is a reasonable length and has a fun, easy-to-follow story.  This engages children’s minds and keeps them entertained. You can even get the children to help you make the puppets for the show! This is also a great circle time ideas for preschoolers.

 

9. Color Sorting With Toys

Find a several baskets. Put all the toys in one basket and ask each child to find all the toys of a certain color and put them in a separate basket. Make sure all children get a turn. This helps reinforce colors and keeps children engaged.

10. Felt Board Stories

Create a felt board for the children to interact with, creating little characters that they can rearrange and tell a story with. Make sure all children get a turn!

11. Physical Activity

Let children get out some of their energy while having fun by playing a simple physical game (like Simon Says!). You could ask them to touch their toes, do jumping jacks, or pat their tummies.

12. Letter Charts

Begin teaching your children the alphabet with simple letter charts! This is a fun and easy way for them to learn their letters by associating them with a physical object or character (A for apple, E for Elsa, etc.).

13. Food Crafts

We all know about “macaroni art”, but you can also use cereals and other food items to create crafts for your children. This keeps the children engaged and lets them create on their own! Be sure to provide the materials for them so that they can easily reach them–less mess! This may be a better activity for older, pre-school children.

At the Langhorne Daycare, we believe that circle time is important in your child’s development.. If you’re looking for an excellent care center for your children, then we are the right place for you! Check out our child care center testimonials and see for yourself!

These activities will help your child learn and grow while having fun. We incorporate these activities into our care plan at Langhorne Daycare, but you can also do them at home.  We want to give the best care to your child, so please give us a call today, or visit us online here for more information!

Winter is coming, and that means that the holidays are on their way. It’s the perfect time to feel the holiday spirit and try to help your fellow man. There are a lot of different ways to do that, so it’s easy to find something that can make a difference for a small part of the world that anyone can handle.

Donate Blood

The Red Cross always needs blood donations, but the need increases during times when people are more likely to be injured. People travel a lot around the holidays, which means there are more accidents and thus more injuries, so blood banks can run into trouble during the holidays. Blood also spoils quickly, so you can be sure that your donation is needed, especially if you have a rare blood type. Donating blood is quick, easy, and free, so it’s a great option for people who are interested in giving back to others without going to too much trouble.

The best way to donate blood is to schedule a visit to a local blood drive. Most blood drives will advertise for several days before the event, so it’s relatively easy to find one. The Red Cross can also help you to find the nearest blood drive if there aren’t any local advertisements. If there aren’t any blood drives to attend, consider organizing one of your own. It takes more work, but blood can save lives, so it’s certainly worth the effort.

Volunteering as a Tutor

Education is one of the keys to building a better life, but sometimes getting an education is easier said than done. Volunteering your time as a tutor can give the gift of knowledge to someone in need, and that gift can pay dividends for years to come. There are several ways to do this, so most people can find some way to help.

Literacy is one of the most important skills because it enables people to learn other things, but some people have trouble with it. Children need to practice reading if they’re going to get good at it, but they don’t always get that chance at home. Providing it is a great way to give back to the community. Simply handing out simple books and giving children the chance to read to you as you fix their mistakes can be a big help. Reading to them is also useful, and almost any adult can do it.

Older students often need help with specific subjects. Helping them requires more specialized knowledge, but you can still do it if you understand the subject. Adults with specialized skills, like woodworking, can also take the chance to pass those on. They aren’t always taught in school, but they’re still useful.

The best way to get involved through tutoring is to contact a local school and ask if they need help with any of their clubs or programs. Libraries are also a good choice, especially for people who want to help with literacy issues. Even if they don’t need volunteers themselves, they can usually point you towards a program that does.

Cook a Feast

 

Most holidays involve big meals with big groups of people. If you’re filled with the holiday spirit and want to give back in a way that fits the season, you can’t go wrong by contributing to a meal for the community.

These community meals help to solve several different problems at the same time. At a basic level, they can help to fight hunger in the community. They can also spread some holiday joy to people who aren’t able to afford the traditional meal on their own. One meal may not seem like much, but it can make a big difference to people who are on the verge of poverty.

Community feasts also offer a hidden benefit. It isn’t much fun to be alone for the holidays, but it happens to a surprising number of people. These events give those individuals a chance to come together with other people for the holidays that would otherwise be denied to them. That’s a powerful gesture, and it can make the holidays much brighter.

Remember the Essentials

In the end, the holidays are a time to give back to the community. Even a small effort can make a big difference, so there’s no reason not to do something to help others. As long as you remember the golden rule when you volunteer, it’s hard to go wrong.

image credits: http://kut.org/term/thanksgiving, https://dougmatlock.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/i-hate-giving-blood-but/, http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/haveamagnificentday/2011/12/holiday-spirit-the-spirit-of-giving.html