good manners, consideration for others and social confidence
No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes at times and finds themselves in situations where an apology is needed.Considerate, confident people know how to give a sincere apology. To help you teach your children this important skill, I've created a how-to sheet with a family discussion activity. >>>Enter your email here and I'll send it to you right away!<<<The do's and don'ts of a genuine and heartfelt apology:1- DO use good eye contact.2- DON'T simply throw out a quick, "I'm … [Read More...]
There are so many good reasons to start your own manners teaching business in your community. Here are few of my favorites. 1- You make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families through your manners classes. Manners teaching is a ray of light 🌞 in our often negative and self-centered culture. Good manners are based on consideration, kindness, and respect for others. Good manners have to be taught- we aren't born with them. As a manners teacher, you make the world a … [Read More...]
An important foundation of good table manners is using silverware correctly. Knowing either the Continental or American method of eating, how to cut food correctly with the knife and fork, and the silent signals are all skills children can master with a little instruction and guidance. In this post, let's look at the silent signals of silverware. At your next meal, teach your family the silent signals. These can be learned quickly by even young children. Check out the four points below and … [Read More...]
Why are table manners so important? Good table manners set the foundation for other important manners like respect for others, self-confidence, and being considerate. Manners learning starts at the family table! As our children grow and leave the nest, they need to be ready for important events that take place while dining like celebrations, meetings, interviews, dates, and business networking. No one is born knowing good manners, so it's up to us parents to teach them to our children. Not … [Read More...]
I believe in the power of family dinners. Eating together is about so much more than getting food on the table and feeding hungry stomachs. Dinnertime can be a refreshing pause in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives whether the meal is takeout pizza or a homemade four-course meal. With a little creativity, you can create a family table that encourages sharing, relaxation, and connection. Here are some ideas to inspire you: Create Ambiance There’s a reason the very best restaurants … [Read More...]
It's normal for young people to feel nervous when meeting new people, but there's really no need to be. "How to introduce yourself" is an important skill that doesn't come naturally to most of us. With some instruction and practice, it will become a part of your children's everyday habits. Everyone is impressed with a young person who takes the initiative in social situations and introduces herself. Use The Recipe for a Great Introduction and teaching your children how to introduce themselves … [Read More...]
Rewind with me to 2010. My kids were getting older and more independent so I wanted (and needed!) to find a way to contribute to my family’s finances. Life is expensive when you have three kids! But I was really conflicted- I didn’t want to miss out on volunteering at their school and going to their track meets, football games and such. Plus I love being home when they are, so I wasn’t willing to give up my summers and holidays with them. I needed a part-time job that offered flexible hours … [Read More...]
Did you know that pizza has its own day? National Pizza Day is February 9th! 🍕 My family loves pizza! How do you eat pizza with good manners? Is it even possible? YES! You just do the best you can depending upon where you are and what you have to work with. Most pizza nights, my family is gathered around the kitchen island, eating pizza on paper plates. Pizza night is a "we're too busy to cook and do dishes night" or "we're starving and craving pizza night". Follow these guidelines … [Read More...]
When my kids were young, they watched Barney, that big purple dinosaur, every morning on PBS. One Barney song still lingers in my mind. Odd I know, but it's a really catchy tune. 🎵 Please and thank you- they're called the magic words. If animals could talk, you'd hear the fishes and the birds Saying please and thank you- they're called the magic words... Repeat chorus over and over and over and over... Barney was right- please and thank you are magic. And so is You're Welcome. And so is … [Read More...]
In keeping with the spirit of this post, I'm going to be super quick and get right to the point. Sometimes, you need an easy dinner that you won't feel guilty about serving your family- a meal that's nutritious, hearty, and delicious. I  love these two dinners because you can keep all the ingredients on hand for those hurried, too tired to cook nights. Menu #1 Hearty Chili with cornbread The hands down best chili mix is the super inexpensive McCormick packet that cost about a dollar. … [Read More...]
