Parent to Parent: Polite Child

WSVN--From honking horns to blaring music, it's no wonder Miami was recently received the dubious distinction of the rudest driving city in America.

But with so many people forgetting their manners, the Hyman family is trying extra hard to practice politeness.

Kiley Hyman: "When I leave the house to go over to a friend's house, my parents always say, remember to mind your manners."

They even use games and cash to make sure everyone says their please and thank you's.

David Hyman: "We believe very much that people should respect one another, and you teach respect when kids are first born so manners are one of the biggest parts of respect."

Trish Hyman: "We just try to practice it daily if we can. Kids are going to be kids, but with guidance, when they start walking and talking, is when it starts."

Seven News Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie couldn't agree more.

She says you should begin teaching by treating others the way you want to be treated.

Dr. Valerie: "Your kid is watching everything that you do. Their little brains they're going oh, this is how you do it. It's like showing them how to ride a bike, you get on a bike and ride it, well this is the same thing."

It's especially important to use courteous words with everyone including your spouse and children.

Just make sure to be consistent and repetitive.

Lynn Martinez: "Tell me about please, may I and thank you, the magic words, and how do we instill that in our kids?"

Dr. Valerie: "Use them. If the parent uses those words, please thank you, excuse me, the child will automatically pick them up."

Of course, it's also smart to avoid situations where people become uncivilized.

For instance, when it's time to leave, get organized and get out early.

People tend to be in a rude mood when they're in a hurry.

And if your child does display bad behavior, tell them what they did wrong. But remember praising is preffered.

Dr. Valerie: "I would rather see them focus on pointing out positive behaviors in their children, so when they catch their children being courteous or mannerly, they say you know, thank you."

The Hyman's couldn't be prouder.

Eleven-year-old Kiley has even won a community award for kindness, when she collected money for Hurricane Katrina victims.

Kiley Hyman: "It's just the right thing to do."

David Hyman: "I really believe we can make a difference with kids because they're the next generation and if we start now, teaching them respect and manners, maybe it will be a better world for them."

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN DR. VALERIE CAN HELP YOU WITH E-MAIL US AT:
parent@wsvn.com

Dr. Valerie Goode:
305-667-5232
7711 S.W. 62 Avenue
Suite 203
Miami, FL 33143