Manners do begin at home –
help our children grow into respectful individuals
Dear Readers,
Summer is officially upon us and what a great time to work on manners with the kids. Parents today face a new frontier in etiquette, everything from table manners to what is social media appropriate. Manners do begin at home, and learning the rules of engagement and being thoughtful toward others will help our children grow into respectful individuals. Childhood is the period where we learn to navigate the world, make mistakes and learn how to correct them. So, keep in mind that kids like to copy their parents; they learn how to behave by watching you. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Teach your children to:
- Use please and thank you routinely – shows consideration for others.
- Apologize – teaches kids to take responsibility and demonstrate empathy.
- Say, “Excuse me” – helps a child to politely maneuver through crowds and conversation.
- Compliment others – shows appreciation for others (remember to keep negative comments to yourself).
- Share – shows others you care and creates appreciation for the things you have (difficult but so important).––
- Use polite phone protocol – give 100% attention to the people you are physically with.
- Hold the door/open the door – good manners always say, “After you.”
- Write thank you notes – teach your kids to write these and they will understand a fundamental concept of gratitude.
- Make eye contact – when speaking and offer a word of welcome when others visit your home.
- Practice manners at family mealtimes – a perfect place to demonstrate, practice, model, question and prompt.
Big Love,
Mrs. Abramovitz
July 1, 2021//Comments Off on Manners do begin at home –
