Do you want your child to have good manners? What parent would possibly say, “No?” Even Marge on The Simpsons wants her son Bart to have better manners, and rightfully so. The younger you start teaching your child appropriate manners, the more ingrained they become.

Here are three basics you can begin today.

1. Shake hands. Teach your child the art of a proper handshake. According to Dr. John Q. Baucom, author of The Million Dollar Handshake, only 18% of adults feel very comfortable in delivering a proper handshake. The reason he titled his book The Million Dollar Handshake is the same 18% will earn one million dollars more in their lifetime than their peers. A proper handshake includes: firm grasp, eye contact, and full attention to the person you are greeting. Remember, shaking hands is no longer a skill just for the boys.

2. Hold the door. Holding the door for others is not just for boys either. However, if you have boys, please make sure your sons have it in their etiquette toolkit. Holding the door for others shows respect and courtesy. Not only will he impress his future mother-in-law, showing such great manners will most likely gain him promotions in his career as well.

3. Say please and thank you. Teach your child to say the always appropriate “please” and “thank you.” These two words are essential in your child’s vocabulary and will get her very far in life. You will even appreciate how much better the day flows when these words are regularly used.

To teach your child any manners, you first have to show them how to use them. Yes, this means you will need to use these manners yourself. Your child will emulate the actions he sees you display. Be the role model you want your child to follow.

What manners do you want to make sure your child knows? Please share.

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Tags: advice, Etiquette, manners, techniques, Tips