The more our culture changes it has become quite apparent that as a society we have lost our sense of etiquette/manners. My husband has served as a pastor for 20 years and we see a lot of family dynamics at weddings, funerals, church activities, potlucks, meals at our home, as well as during home and hospital visits. It has become more and more obvious that children are growing up without the knowledge of how to behave in social or public gatherings. We must change this trend! It starts, of course, at home with our example and with the educating of our own children.

Do you ever wonder where the word etiquette came from? Well, I did some digging and back in the 18th century King Louis XIV loved to throw parties. As people arrived, they were inconsiderate of his yard and gardens and would trample them. In frustration, he asked his gardener to put up little signs to instruct people where to walk. The French word for all the little signs was “etiquette.” This has become known as all the little signs that help us know how to get along better with others.

Why is etiquette important? Studies have shown that teaching kids how to be kind and empathetic empowers them with the relational skills they need to become smarter students with better grades… and eventually adults living more successful lives. These skills will set them apart in all aspects of life.

Many parents find it challenging to get their kids to put the old cliché ‘mind your manners’ into practice, but with some encouragement and prioritizing certain behaviors, parents can help their kids become young ladies and gentlemen.

In our Kid’s Church program, I started teaching one manner every week for five minutes. We would show an example of how to perform it and encourage them to practice it at home, school, and in the community. We started getting positive feedback! Make it a part of your education and practice every day. It doesn’t need to take a lot of time. You could incorporate manners instruction into your morning start up routine, at mealtime, or during bedtime winddown. Some science curriculums include it alongside science or in health. We offer many resources that will make this easy for any adult who wants to help children improve their attitudes and actions.

Manners are more than just a set of tools we can use to get ahead. They enrich our experience of living and the time we spend with each other. Simply put, “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” – Emily Post

~ Amber

 

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