Etiquette Tips for Moms
Editor: Mrs. Hancock
Mrs. Hancock's Incorporated
www.MrsHancocks.com
Mrs. Hancock and Ms. Jennifer believe that good manners begin at home. Their inter-active learning facility hosts a full kitchen and laundry for example; it's a perfect learning environment, like being at a friendly neighbors'. Children learn how to behave at home and have fun at the same time. "Young people relate to us really well. We all have a blast and we are constantly rewarded by their new found glee in good behavior." We really like what we do.
Children and The Holidays
It's important for youngsters to understand the nature and proper receipt of a gift. We should always show our appreciation and never dislike or disappoint. For example, when a youngster receives something perhaps they're not that fond of, it should be explained (in private and prior, if possible), to not show disappointment. We should be grateful for a gift. Many Children will ask "Can I have that one? Can I have that color?", etc. This we know of course, is not necessarily appropriate behavior. Secondly, please be sure your Children have a suite of stationery, with a few stamps, at the ready. They should be trained to send a thank you note to GrandMother for her check or to their Aunt for their recent Holiday Gift or Birthday present. Sending thank you notes (within the week) of receiving said gift, looks good on them and on you and, helps assure future good will among friends and family. Happy Holidays!
Proper Grammar:
Please be sure your youngsters understand the importance of proper grammar as they mature. Our Special Seven includes the usual suspects, Please, Thank you, You're Welcome (vs. 'no problem'), Yes or No (vs. Yeah, unh-hunh, nope, etc) and add a Sir or Ma'am to this is even more special! May I ? vs. Can I ? and explaining the difference to them, helps them remember to use May I. Pardon me or Excuse me, vs. the "Hunh" or "What?" Those 7 words make a world of difference in how they're perceived among their teachers and other Adults and in time, their peers and future employers, as well. Ask them to speak up; to use their voices. Especially if their young girls. Young women may have a higher pitch to their voice, which can be trained away with assistance. The tone of their voices is easiest trained while they're young. The latest trend to "up speak" (which children learn from others in school), should be pointed out and worked on, as well. A question is a question, otherwise "up speaking" can make a young man or woman sound rather daft. Point it out, in an appropriate tone and they'll in time, internalize that training, as well!
Children who interrupt:
Do you have a child who insists on pulling attention from your others or constantly interrupts while you're speaking with another adult? Consider the following actions and remember: TIME and TONE. Take the 'time' to explain to your child that they are just as important as any other sibling, however, the polite thing to do is to wait their turn. Then, with one hand placed on their upper arm, tell them, THIS is how to interrupt me. Come to me, place your arm here and I will ask you to wait one minute while I'm finishing my conversation, then stand quietly and wait, please OR I'll answer your question immediately. This gives a child a special 'signal' to get Mom's or Dad's attention. The 'tone' you're then using is not nagging or scolding, but explaining the special way for your Child to get what he or she wants. After they begin to use this technique, always thank them for getting your attention in such a nice manner. It will work!
Dinner table topics
Remember there are certain topics that should be off-limits
at the dinner table! Anything Mom and Dad would like to keep in the family, firstly or things that Children should not be privvy to. Children should be taught that table conversation should always be appropriate in nature.
Top 10 Things to remember at the Table
- Wash your hands prior to being seated
- Wait for your Host (or Family Members) before being seated
- Put your napkin in your lap
- Pass both the salt and pepper when asked
(for only one)
- Pass to the right, after asking to your left
- Wait until everyone has been served to start eating
- Chew with your mouth closed
- Always cover your mouth with your napkin when you yawn,cough,burp or sneeze and remember an “excuse me”!
- Please keep your elbows off the table
- Ask politely and subtly to be excused from the table and remember to push your chair in!