When people are kind to one another, the space they occupy becomes warmer and more comfortable. Baldrige declares that not only parents, but every adult who spends time with a child should take the opportunity to teach manners. It's not an option, she says, it's a duty. Modeling courteous behavior is the best way to teach your children. They're always taking cues from how parents behave, says Dr. Leman.
Parents love to think about discipline as something that's passed down to children.
But the fact of the matter is if you have a disciplined child, you have lived a disciplined life. Before long, your little ones will be imitating you, says Leman. Speak respectfully to your children and your partner. Speak respectfully about other groups of people. Prejudice is a contagious disease, warns Baldrige.