Excuse Me, Please!

Manners Song — Waiting Your Turn · Ages 3–9

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Two small words that make a big difference in how kids show up.

What "Excuse Me, Please!" is

"Excuse Me, Please!" is a manners song about the polite ways kids get attention, move through a crowded space, and wait without barging in. "Excuse me" is the bridge between wanting something and grabbing it — and this song makes that bridge easy to remember and fun to use.

It covers the everyday spots where the phrase matters: squeezing past someone, needing a grown-up who's mid-conversation, or stepping in line. Naming those situations helps kids recognize the moment to use the words instead of defaulting to a grab or a shout.

How kids use it

Learn the chorus, then treat it as a shared cue. When a child interrupts or pushes past, a quick hum of the song redirects more gently than a correction. The aim is for "excuse me" to become a reflex — the first thing a kid reaches for when they need space or attention.

  • Practice the "excuse me, then wait" sequence so kids know what comes after the words
  • Model it yourself, including the patience of waiting for a pause
  • Acknowledge it warmly when a child interrupts politely instead of barging in
  • Role-play tricky moments, like needing help while you're talking to someone else

Why it works

Polite interrupting blends two skills — using the words and waiting for the right moment — and research tends to associate both with steady, low-stakes practice rather than one big talk. Many teachers find that pairing the phrase with a clear next step ("say excuse me, then wait for me to look at you") makes it stick, because kids know exactly what to do. A melody also surfaces easily in the moment, when a child is eager and a long reminder won't land. Expect this to develop gradually in young children.

In the classroom and at home

  • Classroom teachers — great for line-up, crowded centers, and getting your attention
  • Parents — handy when you're on the phone or talking with another adult
  • Camp and after-school staff — keeps busy, bustling spaces courteous
  • SEL leads — fold it into lessons on respect and turn-taking

Suggested ages

Best for ages 3–9. Younger kids master the phrase through repetition; older kids can practice the harder part — waiting patiently for a response. More songs like it live on the character development songs hub.

Try these next

Continue with Please and Thank You, Wait My Turn, and Patience Song.