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Practice Makes Perfect
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ET I Q U E T T E T I PS POLISHED PEYTON
by Jennifer Daniel
Practice Makes Perfect
Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. Football and family gatherings are at the top of my list along with all of the holiday celebrations. Here are five tips to help practice good manners with the little people in your life so they are ready for the season.
Sit with Your Children at Mealtime
While I hope every family is eating together at least one night a week and being intentional with practicing good manners, we should eat with our children as much as possible. While cereal for breakfast on a busy school morning or a turkey sandwich for lunch as you head out the door for afternoon activities, they will model your manners. It’s the simple things, like using your napkin, not talking with food in your mouth, not allowing your children to interrupt each other. All of those things are witnessed by little ones while we eat.
Make it a Game
For young children, this can be fun. They can earn points for setting the table, for when you catch them helping a friend or sibling with something, or for when they use extra good manners while running errands with you. Reward them with a special treat like letting them pick dessert one night.
Positive Praise
Always use positive praise. “Sally, I love that you offered to help Ms. Perry with her grocery cart.” Praise them for the little things. They love this.
Enlist Others as Reinforcement
I believe most families encourage good manners. The only reason people look to me for etiquette guidance is because it’s always helpful for your children and grandchildren to hear the same “rules” expressed by someone other than you. Keep those close to you in the loop with the things you are currently working on with your little ones. They can help too. You will be surprised how much reinforcement of your lessons by other people can really make them stick.
Create a List to Display
Once children are eight or nine, they really need to “own” what you are trying to teach. Ask them to help you make a list of four or five things that you want to work on as a family. Have them write it out and decorate it. Post their drawing on the refrigerator or in another prominent place. Seeing this sheet daily will be a helpful reminder.
Jennifer Daniel is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and she may be reached at Jennifer@polishedpeyton.com or visit her website at polishedpeyton.com.
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