The Mannerly Mom

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, smart, and confident people know how to give a sincere apology. The do's and don'ts of a genuine and heartfelt apology: DO use good eye contact. DON'T simply throw out a quick, "I'm sorry." DO take responsibility for your actions. For example, “I’m so sorry I was careless and arrived so late to pick you up." DON'T make excuses. DO explain how you plan to be … [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- how to use the Continental and American methods, how to cut food correctly, and the silent signals. The silent signals are easy to learn and can be mastered by even young children. Here's a quick and easy explanation for you to help you teach the silent signals to your family at your next meal. Be sure to see the pictures below. #1- Used silverware should never be set back on the … [Read More...]

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

Why are table manners so important? #1- Good table manners set the foundation for other important manners like respect for others, self-confidence, and being considerate. It all starts at the family table. #2- Having good table manners shows you're prepared for life. As our children leave the nest, they need to be ready for important events that take place while dining- celebrations, meetings, interviews, dates, networking... Not long ago I was a busy mom like you. I remember the stress at … [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 … [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 … [Read More...]

Meal Planner Printable for Busy Moms (It’s Free!)

You name it and I've tried it in my quest to be more efficient and better organized- smartphone apps, Google calendar lists, and expensive family organizers. But I always come back to the basic- a paper list & pen. To make my planning a little more fun, I asked my friend (who is a graphic designer) to design a simple meal planner printable for me. I keep it on my kitchen counter with a pen. When it's time to go to the store I snap a picture of it with my smartphone or stash the list in my … [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, the 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... Barney was right- please and thank you are magic. And so is You're Welcome. And so is Excuse … [Read More...]