Saying please, thank you, and excuse me are phrases we teach our children at a young age or something we should be teaching them anyhow. Good manners begin at home, and children emulate what they see so it is important to know they are watching you for cues on certain behaviors.
Try to keep your expectations of their behavior at an age appropriate level. However, don’t underestimate their ability either. It is recommended to try to teach them one manner at a time. It is easier on the parent and the child to do it gradually instead of overloading them all at once. Overloading their little minds will end up being counterproductive to what you are trying to achieve.
Communication is the key in life, and children either learn good communication skills early or they learn poor ones. Encourage them with words on why good manners are important, and how words are a way to show respect to those around us. Make sure to praise immediately when they do what is expected, and make sure to discuss poor manners as soon as possible. Not demeaning them, but to explain where they went wrong, and how to correct it.
Another way to reiterate good manners is to prompt the child when the situation warrants it. It is also vital for the parent to use the same manners towards their children to show the child that it is a part of everyday life. Additionally, the parent can use role-play to help practice with the child on when it is appropriate to use certain words or others not to use. Alternate the roles so they can see it from each angle.
Charting their progress is another way to help reinforcing good habits. Overcoming poor manners that are picked up from other family members or peers is an obstacle that most parents will come across at some point and time. It is only natural since they are not going to be with mom and dad 100% of the time. Again, consistency is always important, and after awhile-good manners will come naturally.