I think example is the most powerful tool. With DD i'm polite with others and when i give her something i say "thankyou" to which she sometimes replies "ag-goo" or if i take something from her i say "thankyou! Good girl for giving that to mumma". She's getting the idea but i don't try to make her say it yet as she's only 14mos.

I'm planning to start being more pointed about "please" soon too. ATM she doesn't ask for things so much as realise when i'm getting them that she wants them (crying when she sees her cup being washed because she's suddenly realised she really wants a drink!) so i'm going to use that opportunity to teach her "please". It's hard being a single mum as though 'm polite, often it's just us so she doesn't see me interact as much as if i had DP living here.

B