You can’t believe they grew up so fast. Your baby is starting their first day of school and you’re biting your nails with worry. You’re wondering how they’ll fare in the “real world,” and when you learn that 76 percent of adults believe that Americans are ruder and less civilized than they were 20-30 years ago, you worry even more for your child.

Model Manners

Your kids learn from watching you. If you sit around and yell at the TV, odds are that they will too. You can’t teach “do what I say, not what I do” when it comes to manners, because kids will start to mimic you before they even understand the concept. You don’t have to be Emily Post, just don’t be Oscar the Grouch.

Teach The Famous Five

Every toddler should be taught these five phrases first: “please, may I, excuse me, thank you and no thank you.” These polite phrases can be taught to children as young as six months, and they’ll have a lasting effect. When your child tries to grab something from you or begs for Cold Stone Creamery ice cream or Squinkies toys, make sure they use the appropriate terms. If they don’t, then they don’t get what they want.

Learn to Give, Share

We live in a society that’s plagued with rudeness and self-centered demands. Don’t teach your kid to fit into it. Use philanthropic role models like Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie or Lois Pope to teach your kids that the more you have, the more you should share. Play dates are a good time to practice this. Watch your child’s behavior with other children and reward them with positive reinforcement, not material gifts, if they share their toys with friends. If you stick to your “manners plan” your little ones will not only be happier and more prepared for school, they’ll be ready to make a good impact on the world.