Tips
Holiday Tips for Children and Teens
Greet everyone with a hello, a firm handshake, eye contact and a big SMILE!
Bring a small gift for the host. A drawing, a poem or something meaningful from the child is very special and may even earn a spot on the host’s refrigerator.
Always wash your hands before visiting the dining table! Let’s stop the spread of germs during the holidays.
No electronics, including cell phones, at the table- at all!
Think of 10 conversation topics for everyone to discuss. Adults and children can share stories of their favorite holiday memories. Discuss family traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Remember your manners- Please, Thank You and Excuse me throughout the meal
Use your napkin throughout the meal. Let it stay in your lap during the meal, use it to wipe your mouth, use it to cough, sneeze, and during a big burp, if you can catch it- but never to blow your nose! If you need to blow your nose, please excuse yourself from the table to visit the restroom. Please remember to wash your hands before returning to the table.
Always show kindness and the three principles of etiquette-Respect, Consideration, and Honesty
Always thank the host for the invitation to the meal.
Have fun and use the holiday meal as a time to treasure one another!
Family photos around the room can spark a great conversation about past traditions and what made holidays special when adults were children.
A display with different soaps and hand towels in the bathroom will remind guests to wash their hands before the meal.
Going Beyond Please, Thank you, and Excuse me
When your children have mastered saying these three kind words to others, you can move on to teaching them these life-skills to ensure you are raising a kind and considerate child who has impeccable manners.
If you spend time teaching your children these additional courtesies, it will make them stand out among their peers and enable them to soar to their full potential in many situations.
Teach them how to shake hands with a firm handshake, eye contact and a warm smile.
Teach them to open the door for others and hold the door open if others are following behind them.
Teach your sons how to pull out a chair for girls and women at the table.
Teach your children to be quiet during concerts, movies and during religious services, unless they are asked to participate during these events.
Show them the correct way to hold their fork, knife and spoons. Yes, even children can hold a butter knife to cut their food if they mimic your movements in a safe manner.
Show them how to solve disagreements with words instead of being aggressive with their fists.
Show them how to be respectful of others’ property and ideas.
Remind them to write thank-you notes.
Remind them of their personal appearance and how to make a good impression.
Remind them to always show kindness and they will go far in life.
These children have wonderful manners! Children as young as three years old can be taught a lot of the basic manners we use as adults.