This Thanksgiving, rather than focusing on the turkey, the in-laws or the obnoxious behavior of your guests, focus on what reallycounts: your relationships and the opportunity you have to spend time together
"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are!" is the core of the Etiquette is 4 me philosophy.
If you follow these tips, you are sure to get through the meal with confidence and ease. Remember the following points. (For parents, remember you are the example for your children):
- Don’t try to solve other people’s problems. A statement or opinion does not necessarily require a response nor is it a request for advice. Unless someone specifically asks for advice, don’t give it. ask yourself, "Is the dinner table the time to deal with problems?" The answer is no.
- You can’t control other people’s actions, only your own (and your children*). If a member of your family has a reputation for being annoying or obnoxious, don’t jump in the swamp with the alligators. Perpetuating rudeness or bad behavior by being rude back solves nothing and doesn’t set a good example for your children. Sometimes, it is a good idea to take a look in the mirror and make sure your own behavior is above reproach.
- Controversial subjects are best avoided if they are going to lead to arguments. Try to keep things light and celebratory. Remember that a sense of humor is your best asset when the going gets tough.
- *Coach your children beforehand as to the behavior you expect and what you want them to do
, such as helping with chores, dinner, babysitting, etc. Teach them visiting and table manners.
And above all else, keep a sense of gratitude and be thankful.
To Express Gratitude
Smile and say thank you.
Tell a loved one you love them.
Hug a friend.
Write thank you notes.
Visit a shut-in or someone in the hospital.
Call a friend, just to say hello.
Spend time with an elderly person.
Tell your boss/workers you appreciate his or her support
Remember to thank all who make your life easy - babysitters, cleaners, doctors, mail man, friends, parents. Just say "Thank you! You are very important in my life!"
14 Table Manners Every Child Should Know
The following is a list of table manners
that your child should have a good grasp of
by age six:
* Wash their hands and face before sitting
down to the table.
* Sit down in their proper seat and put their
napkin in their lap.
* Wait to begin eating until everyone is seated
and has been served. Many families wait until an adult
gives permission to start eating.
* Stay seated in their seats without wiggling
in their chairs, going under the table, or
getting up and down.
* Say, "Excuse Me," and ask permission to leave
the table.
* Elbows do not belong on the table.
* Mouths should stay closed while chewing and
pieces should be bite sized.
* "May I please" and "Thank you" should be used when
children would like food. They should never reach across the
table.
* Participate in the conversation during dinner and
no interruptions when other people are talking.
* Slurping, burping, squealing, singing, humming are
all sounds that are not to be made at the table.
* It is never kind or polite to make negative
comments about what is being served for dinner.
* Before getting up at the end of the meal say,
"May I please be excused?"
* Ask if adults would like them to clear their
dinner plate.
* Thank the cook.
Preparing children for adulthood starts the moment
the baby is placed in the arms of the mother.
Teaching children to use good table manners is a
wonderful gift that will serve them well throughout
their entire lives. Parents will be proud that
their children are using the good manners that
they have taught them, and more importantly
children will be polished and refined and capable
of being comfortable in any situation.
Thanks to my dear friends and teachers Louise Fox and Elena Neitlich
Best,
Eliana Bonati
Etiquetteis4me.com
Thanks for visiting!
"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are!" is the core of the Etiquette is 4 me philosophy.
If you follow these tips, you are sure to get through the meal with confidence and ease. Remember the following points. (For parents, remember you are the example for your children):
- Don’t try to solve other people’s problems. A statement or opinion does not necessarily require a response nor is it a request for advice. Unless someone specifically asks for advice, don’t give it. ask yourself, "Is the dinner table the time to deal with problems?" The answer is no.
- You can’t control other people’s actions, only your own (and your children*). If a member of your family has a reputation for being annoying or obnoxious, don’t jump in the swamp with the alligators. Perpetuating rudeness or bad behavior by being rude back solves nothing and doesn’t set a good example for your children. Sometimes, it is a good idea to take a look in the mirror and make sure your own behavior is above reproach.
- Controversial subjects are best avoided if they are going to lead to arguments. Try to keep things light and celebratory. Remember that a sense of humor is your best asset when the going gets tough.
- *Coach your children beforehand as to the behavior you expect and what you want them to do
, such as helping with chores, dinner, babysitting, etc. Teach them visiting and table manners.
And above all else, keep a sense of gratitude and be thankful.
To Express Gratitude
Smile and say thank you.
Tell a loved one you love them.
Hug a friend.
Write thank you notes.
Visit a shut-in or someone in the hospital.
Call a friend, just to say hello.
Spend time with an elderly person.
Tell your boss/workers you appreciate his or her support
Remember to thank all who make your life easy - babysitters, cleaners, doctors, mail man, friends, parents. Just say "Thank you! You are very important in my life!"
14 Table Manners Every Child Should Know
The following is a list of table manners
that your child should have a good grasp of
by age six:
* Wash their hands and face before sitting
down to the table.
* Sit down in their proper seat and put their
napkin in their lap.
* Wait to begin eating until everyone is seated
and has been served. Many families wait until an adult
gives permission to start eating.
* Stay seated in their seats without wiggling
in their chairs, going under the table, or
getting up and down.
* Say, "Excuse Me," and ask permission to leave
the table.
* Elbows do not belong on the table.
* Mouths should stay closed while chewing and
pieces should be bite sized.
* "May I please" and "Thank you" should be used when
children would like food. They should never reach across the
table.
* Participate in the conversation during dinner and
no interruptions when other people are talking.
* Slurping, burping, squealing, singing, humming are
all sounds that are not to be made at the table.
* It is never kind or polite to make negative
comments about what is being served for dinner.
* Before getting up at the end of the meal say,
"May I please be excused?"
* Ask if adults would like them to clear their
dinner plate.
* Thank the cook.
Preparing children for adulthood starts the moment
the baby is placed in the arms of the mother.
Teaching children to use good table manners is a
wonderful gift that will serve them well throughout
their entire lives. Parents will be proud that
their children are using the good manners that
they have taught them, and more importantly
children will be polished and refined and capable
of being comfortable in any situation.
Thanks to my dear friends and teachers Louise Fox and Elena Neitlich
Best,
Eliana Bonati
Etiquetteis4me.com
Thanks for visiting!
