Like please, excuse me is a small, kind word. It helps when we are in someone's way, or when something small goes wrong.
Key idea
Say excuse me when you need to get past someone, when you bump into someone, or after a burp.
Why it works
Excuse me says, “I know I am bothering you a little, and I care.” It keeps people from getting pushed or surprised.
Worked example: Let's practice
Omar is running and bumps into Ruby by accident. What can he say?
- A bump is a small accident.
- Omar stops running.
- He says excuse me, or sorry, and checks on Ruby.
Answer: “Oops! Excuse me. Are you okay?”
Common mistake
Thinking excuse me means “I get to talk now.” Saying it to interrupt, then talking right away, is still interrupting. We will practice waiting in Waiting to Talk.
For the grown-up. Set up a “hallway” with two chairs and stand in the gap. Your child practices “Excuse me” and waiting for you to step aside. Then trade places, so they see how nice it feels to be asked.