Merlin Manners and Three Year Olds

Time for Manners LLC has been told many times how the very young children love Merlin Manners. He is our main character in the Time for Manners video series. He was developed by B.K. Taylor, a well known artist in the Detroit area. We wanted a fun-looking character with personality to match. Since it is "Always Time for Manners" we decided he should be part clock, part lovable and part just funny-looking. B.K. also became the voice to Merlin in all three videos. Even now when I phone B.K. I get a smile on my face because at times I feel I'm speaking to Merlin!! Merlin is happy and always teaching manners in a way that is fun so that children don't even know they are learning important lessons in life.

I think teaching children life's lesson early on in life help to instill the messages that can, if re-enforced, last a lifetime.

Remember what Merlin Manners says: It's Always Time for Manners!

School Bus Safety for Kids

Time for Manners has a video called American Manners that addresses school bus safety along with other topics. The characters, Tara and Tyler ride the bus every day to school. They know that they should be polite and stay in their seat. They also made up a song in the video called Bottom to Bottom and Back to Back. That means, keep your bottom on the seat and your back against the seat back in order to stay safe and secure.

Tara, Tyler and their friend Wesley also talk about keeping the aisle clear of school bags or sports equipment. They know that the driver has an important job and he must be free of distractions in order to drive safely.

I always thought that a school bus should have a volunteer parent on each bus to keep order and help out the driver.

I can remember going to school on a bus and all the "big kids" went to the back of the bus and that is usually where all the trouble began. Maybe the older kids should be in the front of the bus and set a good example for the younger kids as they go to their seats.

Back to school should be fun and exciting. Let's keep our children safe on the school bus.

Nice and Neat in Restaurants

Any child can be taught to eat neatly in a restaurant, but they must be taught. Moms could bring a bib and the child's own dish and cup. This way there is a familiarity that makes children feel comfortable. I never like to see children eat off a tray without a proper bowl or dish. Children will learn to keep food on the tray more easily and not let it drop all over the floor when they are familiar with the dish ware. I know I don't like eating my meal next to children at a restaurant that have made a mess of the floor and the food is spread all over the table or tray.

Children as young as 3 can use small utensils and be praised for eating like a "big person". It is always hard for kids to use the restaurant's utensils so bringing a baggie with the child's own spoon or fork can make for a much nicer meal. Children want to learn the proper way to eat and to begin teaching children at a young age can only instill the action that will become second nature.

Proper use of the napkin is essential and can help with keeping clean while eating the meal.

Children learn by example and if everyone in the family cooperates with practicing good dining habits then everyone will have a wonderful family dining experience.

5 tips for Mannerly Children at McDonalds

Yes, it is "Always Time for Manners". That's what Merlin Manners says on the Time for Manners videos. Even at McDonalds, children can be taught to behave and eat with respect for others.

Here are 5 helpful tips for families and friends:

1. While standing in line, decide what everyone would like to eat so that others won't have to wait behind you in line. Let's be prompt and polite.

2. Always eat on the paper or on the tray in case the table has not been cleaned properly.

3. The rule for eating a hamburger or sandwich is that if it is too big to hold in one hand then it should be cut in half. Only little animals eat with two hands!!

4. We all love the french fries with catsup but the catsup should be put on the paper and the fries dipped into the catsup. Never, squirted all over the mound of french fries and then eaten.

5. Clean off the table of all paper, cups and food so the next family will enjoy their meal too.

If it is necessary to eat fast food then make sure that manners aren't forgotten and your family will have a good time together, that is the most important part of the mealtime.

3 Secrets for Happy Family Dinners

1. Make sure to always set a table so children know that special family time is important.

It's easy to eat in front of the TV or "grab" some food whenever kids are hungry but the only way to encourage family unity is to sit down together and share a meal.

2. Have each family member tell the family the best thing that happened to them that day.

Keeping the conversation positive will make for a pleasant evening meal and allow the children to learn to be grateful for their day.

3. Parents should use their best dining manners everyday.

Children learn by example and learning from their parents will be the most beneficial way to teach family members good manners.

Remember: It's Always Time for Manners

Thank you notes for Toddlers To Teens

When a friend or relative spends time searching and buying a gift for a child or adult they deserve a thank you note. Writing a note takes a lot less time than the effort to go out to find a gift. I received a drawing from a little one recently when I had purchased a gift for them and it was so cute and appreciated. The child's gesture, taught by the mother, teaches them that is it proper to be thankful and gracious when someone gives them a gift.

I hear complaints all the time from grandparents that they never know if a grandchild received the gift or if it was enjoyed.

It is a lot easier to get a child to write a short note or do a drawing than it is a teenager. But all it take is encouragement and consistency with all ages.

Remember: Mind Your Manners!

Holly Beth

Five Fun Facts about The Flag

It's almost 4th of July and here are Five Facts to remember about the American Flag.

1. The area where the stars are placed is called the UNION.

2. The red and white strips are called the FLY.

3. The pole that the flag is on is called the STAFF.

4. When in distress, fly the flag upside down.

5. The flag is folded in a triangle when it is stored or presented to someone. This fold represents the tricorn hats worn by Colonial soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July with friends and family.