In our home, the elders or grandparents are the honored guests to go first in a buffet line. Why do some families allow children to dig in and mess up a beautifully prepared buffet? Grandmas and Grandpas go first, followed by moms and children that need help, followed by the hungry men of the family.
Children need to learn restraint and respect for the older family members. It's the right thing to do.
If a grace or blessing is said before the meal is eaten then it is a good idea to stand by your chair and say the blessing and then start the buffet. That way everyone is together for the blessing of the food.
The etiquette for when to begin eating at a buffet is that when three people are at the table everyone can begin to enjoy their meal.
Again, it is so helpful for children to know what is expected of them before a family holiday meal. They are more comfortable in the situation and the parents can enjoy a relaxing time knowing the children are doing the right thing.
Family meals are a very important time and should be a special, stress-free event.
Happy Holidays and remember, It's Always Time for Manners.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Graciously Accepting Gifts, Gadgets, and Games
The holiday time is a wonderful time of the year for teaching life lessons on accepting gifts from family and friends. Young children are always eager to do the right thing and in doing the right thing the kids will feel confident in social situations.
Receiving gifts from friends and family members should always be received with a clear, spoken thank you. I see children that grab gifts and tear them open without accepting with a polite thank you. This can be practiced with small children at home before attending a gathering where gifts are exchanged. I always told my children that if someone took the time to shop and wrap a gift then they could take the time to write a note of thanks for the gift too.
Grandparents especially want to know that their thoughtfulness is appreciated and properly acknowledged.
Another job for parents is coaching children on what to do if the child already has the gift or they don't like the gift. Again practice at home so children know the right thing to do.
Teach children to say thank you with a smile and explain to children before hand that the gift can be exchanged and they should be grateful for the gift and express thanks. Whether the present is a gift, gadget or game say THANK YOU.
Happy Holidays and remember, "It's Always Time for Manners"
Receiving gifts from friends and family members should always be received with a clear, spoken thank you. I see children that grab gifts and tear them open without accepting with a polite thank you. This can be practiced with small children at home before attending a gathering where gifts are exchanged. I always told my children that if someone took the time to shop and wrap a gift then they could take the time to write a note of thanks for the gift too.
Grandparents especially want to know that their thoughtfulness is appreciated and properly acknowledged.
Another job for parents is coaching children on what to do if the child already has the gift or they don't like the gift. Again practice at home so children know the right thing to do.
Teach children to say thank you with a smile and explain to children before hand that the gift can be exchanged and they should be grateful for the gift and express thanks. Whether the present is a gift, gadget or game say THANK YOU.
Happy Holidays and remember, "It's Always Time for Manners"
Monday, December 6, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Still Sounds Right
I always taught our three sons to address our friends by Mr. and Mrs. The title shows respect and good manners. Is this old fashioned or is it still proper to do?
I feel it is one way to teach our children respect in a world where children, as well as teens, are failing to be taught respect for authority, teachers, and adults. By addressing an adult with Mr. or Mrs. the title puts just the right distance between a child and adult. I think it is a big mistake for children to call their teachers by their first names. Yes, there are schools that promote familiarity and "we're all equal" feeling but the teacher is the authority in the classroom and should be held in high regard and addressed properly.
As a grown woman I still wouldn't think of calling my parents friends by their first name. I was taught respect at a young age and because of that, my parents knew their teachings would last a lifetime.
What do you think?
I feel it is one way to teach our children respect in a world where children, as well as teens, are failing to be taught respect for authority, teachers, and adults. By addressing an adult with Mr. or Mrs. the title puts just the right distance between a child and adult. I think it is a big mistake for children to call their teachers by their first names. Yes, there are schools that promote familiarity and "we're all equal" feeling but the teacher is the authority in the classroom and should be held in high regard and addressed properly.
As a grown woman I still wouldn't think of calling my parents friends by their first name. I was taught respect at a young age and because of that, my parents knew their teachings would last a lifetime.
What do you think?
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