Making Manners Fun: Creative Ways to Teach Kids to Say ‘Please'

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Every parent dreams of raising children who are not only kind but also polite. While values like honesty and empathy are often at the center of parenting conversations, manners are equally important. Teaching kids to say the simple word “please” can go a long way in shaping how they interact with others.

But here’s the challenge: young children don’t always respond to lectures or strict reminders. Instead, they learn best through play, storytelling, and repetition. That’s why turning manners into something fun—not forced—can make the process smoother for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore creative, positive ways to teach kids the magic of saying “please.”

Why “Please” Matters

At its core, “please” is more than just a word. It teaches children respect, patience, and gratitude. Using polite words helps kids:

• Build better relationships with peers and adults.

• Develop social skills that set them up for success later in life.

• Understand that kindness and respect open doors.

When kids learn to use “please,” they’re also learning empathy—the realization that others appreciate courtesy.

1. Model the Behavior

Children learn best by watching. If they consistently hear parents and caregivers use polite words, they’re more likely to copy them.

Instead of demanding, “Pass me the salt,” try: “Could you pass me the salt, please?” When kids hear please in everyday conversation, they begin to view it as the natural way to ask for something.

Make a point of saying “please” when you talk to your child too. For example: “Could you put your toys away, please?” It shows them that respect is a two-way street.

2. Turn It Into a Game

Kids love games, so why not turn manners into one? Here are a few fun ideas:

• The Magic Word Game: When your child forgets to say please, pretend you can’t hear them until they use the magic word. Keep it lighthearted so it feels like play, not punishment.

• Polite Points: Create a reward system where kids earn stars or stickers every time they remember to use please. Once they collect enough, they get a small prize or privilege.

• Role-Play Scenarios: Pretend you’re at a restaurant, a store, or a playdate. Practice asking for things with please in different situations.

These activities make manners memorable because they’re linked to fun experiences.

3. Use Storytelling and Books

Stories are powerful teaching tools for children. Characters who model politeness help kids see the value of manners in action.

For example, in children’s books like Say Please, Ellie: Learning How to Say the Magic Word (Ellie The Chick Book 2), kids follow along as Ellie learns why saying please makes a big difference. Stories like this make lessons stick by wrapping them in colorful illustrations and relatable characters.

After storytime, ask your child questions: “What happened when Ellie remembered to say please? How did others feel?” This encourages them to connect the dots between words and behavior.

4. Sing It Out

Music is one of the easiest ways to make learning fun. You can create a silly “please” song that you sing whenever your child makes a request. For example, if they ask for juice without saying please, you could reply in song: “There’s a magic word, can you say it, pretty please?”

Repetition through music reinforces memory, and kids are more likely to remember the tune—and the polite word that comes with it.

5. Praise Politeness

Positive reinforcement is more effective than criticism. When your child uses please on their own, celebrate it. You don’t need to shower them with gifts; a simple “I love how politely you asked for that!” works wonders.

This recognition helps children feel proud of their behavior and motivates them to keep it up.

6. Make It Visual

Sometimes, kids benefit from visual cues. Create a colorful manners chart and hang it on the fridge. Each time your child remembers to say please, they can add a sticker or draw a smiley face.

Visual progress helps children see their achievements and motivates them to keep going.

7. Involve Siblings and Friends

Politeness spreads faster in groups. Encourage siblings or friends to remind each other to say please. You can even set up group games, like a “Polite Word Challenge,” where everyone tries to see who can use polite words the most in a day.

Not only does this reinforce learning, but it also builds a sense of teamwork and shared values.

8. Be Patient and Consistent

It’s important to remember that learning manners takes time. Younger children, especially toddlers, may need lots of reminders before it becomes a habit. Stay consistent without becoming frustrated.

If your child forgets, gently prompt them: “What’s the magic word?” Over time, this repetition will become second nature.

Conclusion

Teaching kids to say please doesn’t have to feel like a chore—for you or for them. By modeling the behavior, using games, songs, storytelling, and positive reinforcement, you can turn a simple word into a powerful life lesson.

At the end of the day, children who learn manners are better equipped for school, friendships, and eventually, the workplace. And when the learning process is fun, they don’t just remember the word—they embrace the kindness and respect behind it.

So the next time your child asks for something, encourage them to use that little magic word. You’ll be amazed at how much please can transform not just their requests, but their relationships too.