Welcome back to another school year! And a special welcome to our new families!

As the year begins, I am one of the many teachers available all around the school, helping students transition to their morning play areas. Nothing makes me prouder than when I greet a student and hear this response: ‘Good morning, Mrs Cole. I’m very well, thank you, and how are you?’.

This response doesn’t come easily to all students. Our children might be shy, or anxious, or unsure. However, teaching your child how to greet an adult is a life skill that pays dividends! Every child deserves to learn good manners, and everyone loves to feel confident in social situations. Greeting others politely can help to ‘grease the wheels of society’, shows you care, and can brighten someone’s day.

To help our children develop the habits that will make them charming adolescents and adults, it's essential that we give them the tools for success. Explain that standing up straight, smiling and saying hello shows respect and is polite. A first introduction to greetings is to teach children to make eye contact and simply say, 'Hello ‘or ‘Good morning.’ If your child runs to the shy end of the extrovert spectrum, lend a hand and model the greeting. Help your child practise greeting people at home. Encourage them to have their dolls and teddy bears greet each other when they are playing with them. Teach your child to look at a person directly when greeting others if they are able. If not, suggest they look at the person’s ears, eyebrows, or neck, or to just lift their head slightly.  

Because social norms are new to many children, it's important to praise them for all the steps they're taking. Remember that this new skill might take a long time to learn. Some children will pick up this skill easily, while others may need more practice until they get it right.

Be patient but be sure to share your appreciation and pride. Reinforce great behaviour with ‘You have such good manners!’  or ‘I’m very well. That’s kind of you to ask.’
Soon enough, your children will have the polite greeting down pat.