Teaching Your Child to Be Considerate of Others

     More and more often these days I find myself very frustrated. I constantly come in contact with people who are inconsiderate of others.  Inconsideration shows up in so many forms. There are many small ways that we can be considerate of others every day.

     Let's start with little ones and teach them to be aware of those around them. Let's show them how they might treat other people in a kinder way. Maybe the child has an older brother that is still sleeping; we tell the younger sibling that they need to be quiet until the older child wakes up. We practice using a softer voice and avoid using noisy toys. This not only teaches consideration but it heightens awareness of their environment. With the older child the roles may be reversed and the toddler is napping. I think you get the picture.

     Another way of teaching young children to be considerate is to hold the door open for someone else. At a store, if someone is on the way out as you are going in, hold the door for them and wait for them to exit. It is a matter of putting someone else's needs before your own. It only takes an extra thirty seconds but it makes you aware that other people share your world. Many of these niceties are taught by simply being a good example. It often amazes me how children pick up the habits of the adults around them.  By politely saying "excuse me" when you walk in someone's way, or pass by them is another sign of having good manners.

     We coach our children to be more considerate by instructing them to share toys, wait their turn, and be quiet at the library. These tasks help them to grow up less self-centered and enrich their "street smarts." They become more in tune with their surroundings and the people that are nearby. These abilities will prepare them for future tasks such as driving. Being a good drive requires constant awareness of what is happening around you. 

     Knowing to be quiet while you are on the phone or speaking with another adult is a valuable lesson for small children. If they need to interrupt, they need to say "excuse me" and wait for you to acknowledge them. Children need to learn to be patient, learn to wait, and to realize that they are not the only person in the universe. These significant aspects of good conduct will benefit them for a lifetime.

     Having good manners and being considerate of others, helps children to obtain and maintain friendships. Being able to wait their turn promotes patience. Learning to be patient is a good character builder, it helps children acquire self-control. Patience and self-control are two valuable aspects of sitting through the school day. 

     Considerate, patient children often receive acknowledgement from adults. Positive recognition helps raise their confidence and reinforces their good behavior. Being chosen to assist with important tasks makes them feel more capable. The extra responsibility reinforces their self-esteem and advances their maturity. Being considerate of others has many advantages throughout your lifetime.