Mind Your Child’s Manners

I DECIDED to become a Children’s Etiquette Trainer because 1) I am the Mother of two boys that is always looking for ways to build my own parenting skills, 2) I love working with children and 3) I very much believe my classes fill a void. My husband, often shares stories of how he was mentored by his boss during his first job. Raised in an urban environment by his single Mother, he received very little parental guidance at home. Under his bosses’ direction, he learned to tie a tie, dine formally and even how to play golf. Blessed with a strong desire to succeed and knowledge from people that had personally invested in him, he went on to acquire several advanced degrees and later filled various roles from small business owner to professor at a prestigious university.

WHAT HAPPENS to children that don’t have a strong role model for ethics and etiquette in the home and don’t have an adult willing to mentor them? How do you teach your child etiquette when you’ve never learned it yourself? What if you work so hard providing for your family that you have little time to devote to your children and it’s reflected in their poor behavior? As parents, we are the single most important influence on our children. From my observations while working within the educational system, my employment in the field of human resources and my attendance at various social events, I’ve realized that our children are missing critical skills. If your child were failing at math, you would get them a math tutor. However, failing to exhibit manners is just as important.

WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE of proper etiquette your child might immediately become classified as ill-mannered by unwitting teachers, be treated with indifference and quickly become discouraged at school. Our teachers are already overextended, they don’t have the extra time to devote to each child that hasn’t learned basic etiquette at home and has now become a distraction in their classroom. Eventually, they may be passed over for opportunities for scholarships, internships, employment and college admission. I strongly believe the role of a parent is to provide the opportunity for your children to achieve greatness. By any means necessary. Just as a prudent parent would provide their child with access to pre-SAT materials prepare for the exam, they should also take an opportunity to seek sources to help build or strengthen their child’s skills in social etiquette.

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