Good manners are based on treating other people with respect and creating good relationships.  How young should parents begin teaching their children to have good manners?  Children as young as toddlers can learn from experience.  If they observe good manners in their parents they are more apt to develop good manners themselves.  Toddlers can be taught that sharing and caring about how other people feel are important behaviors.  How to reinforce good manners in toddlers?  The reward of a smile sends the message that the child is doing the right thing. Positive words and a smile will let the child know that good manners are appreciated and will help develop habits that will last a lifetime.