5 Ways to Teach Your Children Civility and Why It Matters Now

Teaching civility doesn't have to involve preachy lectures or onerous rules. The great thing about kids is that they're sponges—they absorb everything we say and do! So the best move that you as a parent can make is to model the behavior you want to see your child adopt. Here are a few helpful tips for teaching and modeling the civility that will help your children make the world a better place (but no pressure!):

1. Look out

By this I mean, look outside yourself, and encourage your children to do the same. Encourage them to notice other kids who may be alone on the playground or at school and who might enjoy some company. Help them observe and recognize signs of emotions in other people. For example, use a mirror to experiment with facial expressions and discuss the corresponding emotions, so they have a sense when others are feeling sad or fearful and can offer comfort.

2. Model tolerance and acceptance

Children are naturally curious and observant of differences. But they'll also follow your lead: When you and your child see someone who is noticeably different from you (whether through disability or age or any other distinguishing feature), show your child by your easygoing response that thesedifferences are meant to be accepted and understood. If your child has questions, answer them in a matter-of-fact manner, without staring or pointing.

3. Teach manners

Sometimes it really is the little things that count the most. Children who learn to say "Please" and "Thank you" and "May I" create a civil environment that generates a positive response in everyone around them. (Who doesn't love a 3-year-old who says, "May I have some water please, Dad?")

4. Serve the community

Get your children involved in community service at an early age. Kids love being given a small task to do that they can easily manage—it gives them a great sense of accomplishment and pride—and all the more so when they know it's helping other people or making their community better. Children can put sandwiches inside lunch bags for distribution at a local soup kitchen. They can gather toys or clothes they no longer use for donation to a shelter. They can (while wearing gloves!) help pick up trash during a beach clean-up or a civic pride event. There are many ways to participate in the life of your community, and your child will grow up understanding that this is just what good citizens do.

More from Parenting: Community Service Ideas for Kids

5. Walk the talk

Try to set a positive example in all that you say and do. No one's a saint, and no one is perfect, but making the effort shows that you believe it's important and worthwhile—and your child will learn that, too.

As hard as it sometimes is to believe, we will survive these uncivil times. And I feel truly hopeful that with the right foundation at home, today's children can create a more tolerant and generous world in the future. I'd even turn on my television to see that!

Source: parenting.com