Dawn Jumper: manners, consideration & confidence

Why You Should Start a Manners Business

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...]

Oops! I’m sorry! How to Apologize

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. Below are 7 do's and don'ts to help you brush up on saying "I'm sorry" in a genuine way. PS) Do your children know how to how to apologize? To help you teach them this important skill, I've created a how-to sheet with family discussion activities. Just enter your email below and I'll send it to you right away!The do's … [Read More...]

A To Do List that’s Full of fun!

Woohoo! It’s summertime! No carpooling or homework stress. Lazy mornings and late bedtimes. Less hustle and bustle. We get just a few weeks of this golden time with our kids (and only a handful of summers before they leave the nest). So, let’s do our very best to make the most of summer with our families! Because I know this sounds easier than it is (life just gets so busy), I’ve put together a helpful resource for you, 5 Summer Family Fun To Do’s (click here to get your copy)! Everything … [Read More...]

The Silent Signals of Silverware

An important foundation of good table manners is knowing how to correctly use silverware. Knowing either the Continental and American method of eating, how to cut food correctly with the knife and fork, and the silent signals are skills children can master with a little instruction and guidance. Let's look at the silent signals. These can be learned quickly by even young children. Here's a quick and easy explanation to help you teach the silent signals to your family at your next meal. Be … [Read More...]

your family’s Table Manners (I can help!)

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...]

How to Create a Memory Making Family Dinner Table

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 you're serving 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: Ambiance There’s a reason the very best restaurants strive to … [Read More...]

How to Introduce Yourself

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 themself. The Recipe for a Great Introduction makes teaching your children how to introduce themselves a … [Read More...]

How I Started My Etiquette Education Biz

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...]

Pizza Manners…is there such a thing?

Pizza is so loved it has its own day...February 9th is National Pizza Day! 🍕 Which is an awesome day to celebrate if you love pizza as much as my family does. How do you eat pizza with good manners? Is it 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 … [Read More...]

Power Words

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 … [Read More...]

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