The Gift Of Manners
In our world today, it seems the practice of manners has fallen to the wayside. But recently there has been a growing initiative of parents and teachers who recognize a refocus on manners and etiquette is sorely needed. They are ready to take on the challenge and are seeking resources and tools to enable the teaching and practice of manners. These parents and teachers want to give the gift of manners to their children.
Manners can be the most valuable learning in a child's life. Manners are a code of rules that your child practices to successfully navigate the many venues of life (i.e. home, school, social settings, and eventually, the work place). The practice of etiquette positively influences how your child is viewed by everyone with whom he/she comes into contact. Exercising good manners facilitates the establishment of successful relationships with siblings, peers, teachers, adults and most of all, parents. The use of manners encourages the respectful treatment of others and offers the added benefit of teaching your child self-respect and self esteem. When good manners are practiced, others tend to respond in a similar fashion. And, for everyone a child meets throughout life, manners will influence how others view his/her value and quality as a person.
Manners are a gift with which parents bless their children. They are rules of conduct that begin by using simple words such as "please" and "thank you." From there, it expands and develops into the daily practice of etiquette in the many venues of life. The practitioner of good manners will be rewarded with the goodwill and respect of all he/she meets.
Using The MannerMinder
At meal time, use the MannerMinder to learn the twelve basic rules of table etiquette. Try practicing a single rule at a time. When the first rule is mastered, move on to the second rule and so on. Flip the pages of the MannerMinder so that the selected rule and its picture can be seen by everyone at the table. (Reminder: The picture can be seen from both sides of the MannerMinder.)
Make a game of learning manners. Engage your child in a talk about how the rule is practiced. Ask your child why the rule is important. Ask him/her what might happen if the rule is not practiced. Encourage practice of the rules and provide gentle feedback when you child demonstrates the rule incorrectly. More importantly, applaud your child and provide kudos when he/she has performed a rule correctly.
Learning manners is all about practice, practice, practice. Keep the MannerMinder in a prominent place at the table. It will be readily available for reference and to correct any rules that may need further practice.
Let the MannerMinder serve as a constant reminder to practice good manners always.
