Teaching them different greetings

I was wondering if anyone had any other greeting suggestions. They love to hug and kiss to show affection and they know how to wave. I'm just curious to see if there's anything else they could learn because when we are in public places I don't want them to hug and kiss strangers! Also, knowing how many people do not wash their hands I don't want them touching their hands either. But I do want them to do something in response to people...any ideas?

Moderators - oops, I meant to post this in the 1-5 year forum...would you please move? Thank you!

 

We do a thing we like to call "crabby hands" It is our version of waving but they also learn what claws are like. We started crabby hands when they were about 9 months. Now that they are older they are very good at waving and they say good-bye.

 

My girls love throwing kisses. And they like saying, "Whassup?" They also say "hola", "adios", and "ciao."

 

Blowing kisses is popular with my girls.

 

I totally see not wanting them to touch strangers hands - I am the same way. But I think I'm missing the point - is there a problem with "Hello" and "Goodbye"?

 

Mine blow kisses. Meghan says "Later, Alligator".

 

Those are great suggestions! I forgot about blowing/throwing kisses! No...there is nothing wrong with saying, "hello" or "goodbye." I was just curious to see if there were other things that we could teach them (i.e. for variety).

 

Excellent question. I had a friend who taught their son to say "nice to meet you". I have taught my girls to smile and wave and say HI if someone smiles at them or says hi to them. If they know the person, I am training them to say, Hello Mr or Mrs (Last Name) as a matter of respect, unless the person has already asked to be called Mr/Mrs First Name. Other greetings for ppl we know include giving a High Five. One way that toddlers show acceptance to someone is to offer a toy, so I also have role-played this option, where the girls give the visitor to our home a toy.

 

I love "Nice to meet you!" Our catch phrase is "Later Gator!"