Been working with my 8 year old on having a firm handshake and making eye contact when he meets someone. My dad did this with me and I've always appreciated it. Seems like a lost art these days with kids just waving or not saying hello at all. Started with handshake practice with uncles and grandpa. He's getting better. Respect starts with the small things.
Good man! Teaching that stuff early makes a difference. My 8 year old is finally getting it and people comment on how polite he is. Stick with it, he'll appreciate it later.
Eight is a perfect age to work on this stuff. Good firm grip and eye contact will take him far. I've been doing the same with my kid and it's amazing to see other adults notice and compliment him on it.
My dad did this with me and it actually stuck. Kids think it's corny at the time but they'll use it in job interviews and first dates. It matters more than you'd think.
That's solid parenting right there. A lot of kids don't learn that stuff anymore. Eye contact and a firm handshake opens doors. Keep drilling it.
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The eye contact part is clutch. So many kids his age won't even look at an adult when they're talking. Your son's going to stand out for sure.
How do you practice this without it feeling forced or awkward for him? My 8 year old gets embarrassed easily.