Teaching children how to converse properly and politely will help build a strong foundation for good communication skills later when they get older.

Talk with your children as you would to adults. Do not talk down on them and listen to what they have to say regardless of the content. Give them the proper attention you would want to receive when you are the one talking.

Develop conversation time with children. Make sure that you have deliberate conversations with your children at least once a day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Make sure you have the whole time to yourselves. Make eye contact and concentrate on what your children are saying. This will teach them that this is a sign of respect and that it shows interest in what the other person is saying.

Take turns in speaking. Let your children know that jumping into a conversation is not proper. They can have their turn, and when it is their turn they will get your full attention and be heard properly.

Point out nonverbal communication cues as well. Annoyed facial expressions such as eye rolling, sticking of the tongue, or turning away from the speaker should be corrected.

Ask questions and respond correctly. This will tell your children that you are indeed listening, and that you are genuinely interested in what they are trying to say.

Always speak clearly. Pronounce words correctly and use good grammar. When your children are speaking, do not correct them in front of other people so they don’t get embarrassed and begin to feel self-conscious. You can correct them in a gentle and non-patronizing manner.

Be a good role model. Whatever you are teaching your children, be sure that you practice them in your daily conversations as well. Actions speak louder than words after all.