Is it just our imagination or have good manners flown out the window?
At a time when incivility seems to be the law of the land our attention to the polite courtesies of social discourse have fallen by the wayside, but some are finding that young people are eager to learn how to conduct themselves appropriately.
Anecdotally, a mother commented about attending a child’s tea party, where she used the occasion to share tips on table manners with kindergarteners. After the party, when asked what they enjoyed most, given all the balloons, cake and treats, she was surprised that overwhelmingly the children said they loved learning how to sit straight and ask for sugar, please.
Amber Griffin is an etiquette specialist and fashion model who operates a charm school outside Dallas, and says there is an appetite for learning manners, to an extent. “I don’t know if the younger kids do, but the parents sure want them to know it. I think the parents know how important it is,” she tells NewsRadio 740 KTRH.
She teaches the girls about makeup and flattering wardrobe choices, but also stresses the importance of social grace. “We’re also teaching the girls etiquette, because etiquette is very, very, very important in today’s society. Your manners will take you so much further than your looks,” Griffin says. Simple things, like looking someone in the eye during a conversation, she says, should begin with lessons at home. “If a parent says to a child how important it is to make that eye contact, [they know], it is so important.”
If you know someone who might benefit from a refresher course, from the website “The Momiverse,” here are The Top 10 Table Manner for Kids.