I think they do understand alot of what we tell them and ask them to do, the problem is whether they want to do it, lol. And trying to make them want to do it!
In my experience with DD1 and DD2, the earlier you start with demonstrating correct behaviours the better. I say demonstrate because initially they listen to you and they do understand but don't necessarily copy. But at least you are showng her what she needs to be doing so that when she is old enough to copy consistently and to understand the concept of manners, she knows exactly what is expected of her because that's all she's ever been shown iykwim? My DD1 started to understand a bit more at about 18 months but didn't speak properly or understand the concept of manners until about two. But I still persevered with it. I'm doing the same with DD2 now but she's a fair way off understanding properly yet. You'll know when she's understanding you a bit more. I think when their language develops it's much easier to teach manners. Hope that made sense!
never too young to encourage bubs to talk.. the best way to do that is to talk to THEM! :-) describe everything you are doing as you are doing it, give them opportunities to copy your noises, and also copy their noises etc. with the ta thing, i never make my DD say ta before i give her something. this would frustrate her heaps and she is too little to understand. so basically just offer her the chance to say ta, if she doesnt i say it for her and then give her whatever it is.
I never forced the chatterbox that is Liebling to say "ta" or "thank you". He does it naturally because I do it to him. Once he could say "thank you" then I sometimes prompted it, but it was always a song and dance when he did rather than punishment when he didn't. He doesn't get things if he doesn't say "Please" now - but he tends to treat "please" as "you said no but I still want it so I'll try something else" rather than as a nicety.
Now he's 3 just a look from me will get a "please" or a "thank you" because he knows it is expected - but if I don't have to verbally prompt then he gets a kiss with whatever he's asked for. Cos I like kissing him!
They understand SO much - I'd say pretty much everything, although double barrel instructions might be a bit much right now. Understanding and following are a whole different issue though! I'd say this is way too early to be prompting her to say ta - as LZ says, role modelling is the way forward - if you say your pleases and thankyous to her, and you and your partner say them to each other, and both of you say them to everyone else around you, she will learn that it is the right thing to do. Practise it, with toys and things - if she hands you something (especially play cooking) make sure that you say it then. Children learn far better during play than during any other time.
TBH, "ta for mummy" has never made sense to me. I would rather say "Can you please give that to me?" because then you are role modelling an appropriate sentence.
I agree with all the PPs, but a bit to add. Initially I think they do it to mimic rather than understanding why IYKWIM? They're a bit little for understanding cause and effect at this age - ie if I don't say it they won't give it to me. That comes a fair bit later.
Thankyou so much to everyone you have made a confused and unsure mum and dad alot more relaxed! Looking forward to her learning more and having a good ol yarn with her haha! She yells as it is and has the hand movements to go with it bahahaha watch out if you cross her on the wrong day lol! You guys have been a HUGE help thanks again!
Hi i have a 13mnth old DS and we started the ta no's and yes's and i found the key was repeting them over and over and he now says ta when i give him something, no when he doesnt want to go to bed by shaking the head and the yes's are a little more difficult but hes getting there.
Registered User
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks