Politeness counts! Character counts!
Understanding how to treat others with respect and attention fosters empathy and self-respect. Etiquette includes being polite, considerate and ideally compassionate. This includes how to greet people, how to speak on a telephone, how to dine at a restaurant, and how to let people know they matter. In utilizing proper etiquette, relationships are built that can afford opportunities – opportunities we might otherwise miss out on. However, it is important to recognize that “good manners” mean different things to many people. And as a parent to two questioning daughters, I feel compelled to admit to them that some conventions are not steeped 
in purpose, but merely repeated due to tradition. To continue an old tradition, or pick up a new one, are topics open for discussion in our home. What works for you and your family will be specific to your values. And there is alot of advice out there; be prepared to screen. For instance, Ron Clark’s Essential 55 rules were all the rage a few years back. It seemed to work for his students, but I believe each child is an individual.
“We sneeze in our elbow so we don’t pass on germs, but why do we say excuse me when we burp?” Some cultures view loud noises while eating to be complimentary. Having discussions with my children about the value of etiquette is a great way for the ideas and traditions to become integrated. Sharing your difficulties with certain “good manners” will help bridge the gap between kids and adults. And creating “dry-run” experiences where good manners are not imperative, take the pressure off both parents and kids. I try to have enough time to allow questions why we practice certain rituals. Do you want your children to perform proper etiquette “just because”, or do you want to help them understand the value, purpose and benefits of good manners?
So this week, we will create table settings and share imaginary or real food and drink, in a game of good manners bad manners. One of our Moms will open a discussion about manners and read some fun books to keep the kids engaged and filled with a sense of purpose about etiquette.
Good manners get you things and/or places.
By creating fun opportunities to learn about polite manners, kids and parents can turn the tide and make manners fun and memorable. When I was about my eldest daughter’s age, I fell into the deep desire for some 
new toy advertised like gangbusters before Christmas. My mother (cunning woman), promised me that toy for Christmas, if I called 4 stores to determine who had it for the lowest price. I was petrified to call a sales clerk on the phone, but I was definitely motivated. It was the first time I made that crinkly sound with thin yellow pages on my own. On the first call, I froze and immediately hung up the phone. But I had heard enough adults make similar calls and knew what to say. I had the luxury of doing this at my pace with no one around. When I did actually use words, I was amazed that they listened to me and answered all my questions – as if I were an adult. In the end, I actually only called three stores (and told my mom the 4th didn’t carry it). I don’t remember the toy I got that Christmas, but I will never forget trying out my first “real” phone manners.
We will make some phone calls to Legoland, a toystore and maybe an ice cream parlor (real or imaginary) to get comfortable with the rhythm of phone calls.
C
onsideration and concern matter.
For the third activity, with the help of parents, each child will discuss a person who cares about them who warrants a Thank you note. Thank you notes are a great way to reflect on the care someone has had for you. This is also similar to the reason why we send Get Well cards. It tells a person that they matter to us. That the things they do matter. And that we appreciate what they do and who they are.
New Park hours 11am – 4/5pm Potluck lunch will be from 11:45-12:30. Activities this week will start after 12:30pm. I will again bring my camping stove, teapot, assortment of teas and 8 mugs – can someone bring extra water ? 