Build Better Habits With the Good Manners Box

First, wrap the outside of your box with paper. You can use whatever you have on hand: scrapbooking pages, construction paper, cardstock, etc. Just be sure to leave a hole at the top of the box. Tape works best because of the slick surface, but if you have a lot of patience and give the box plenty of time to dry, glue works as well.

Help your child make a label for the outside of your box, using the phrase “Today, I…” or something similar.

To make “Good Manners” coins, start by cutting out circles (or your child’s prefered shape) with scissors. If you have a circular hole punch, this is a great time to use it!

Brainstorm with your child different ways she can exhibit good behavior and show others respect. How does she hope other people will treat her? Write these behaviors down on your coins. Use phrases that start with verbs, such as “Shared with a friend,” “Held the door for someone,” “Complimented someone,” or “Raised my hand.” Don’t hesitate to write a few extra coins that you’d like them to consider!

Put your Good Manners Box somewhere in your home where you’ll see it everyday. Whenever your child does something written on one of the coins, she can put it in the box. This helps to make your child conscious of her actions and encourages her to actively do things that nurture her abilities to show respect to others.

At the end of the day or week, celebrate her box full of coins and her great manners! Make sure she understands that when you treat others kindly and with respect, you build better relationships with others. Feel free to empty the box and start fresh to turn this simple, one-week activity into lifelong habits.