Your summer travels and seasonal family visits may have opened your eyes to areas where your children are lacking in social skills.
How are they doing on basic courtesies like saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me”? Do they interrupt or speak out of turn? use rude or inappropriate language? fail to greet people properly or acknowledge their presence? talk back or show a lack of respect for authority or adults in general? lack gratitude? Are they inconsiderate of others?
Don’t worry! It’s normal for children to test the limits, exploring boundaries and limits.
By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and responding appropriately, parents and caregivers can help children learn boundaries, respect rules, and develop into well-adjusted individuals.
Most anyone would agree that good manners and etiquette contribute significantly to a better, more fulfilling life.
But how do you go about teaching manners and etiquette?
The effectiveness of teaching manners can depend on various factors. These include the relationship with the child, the context in which manners are taught, and the consistency of reinforcement. Yes, parents play a crucial role in teaching and reinforcing good manners. But the involvement of other individuals and groups can complement and enhance this education. And this is where Elise McVeigh and her team can offer help.
About Elise
Elise was originally a journalist, and then became a stay-at-home mom. Wanting to get “out of the house,” she started Elise McVeigh’s Life Camp seminar company in 2001. Etiquette was something she always had a passion for, and one of the topics that she spoke to parent groups about. This led her to establish a children’s etiquette camp. In 2003 Mrs. McVeigh’s Manners became a division of Elise McVeigh’s Life Camp. Since then, “Mrs. McVeigh” and her staff have taught thousands of children everyday etiquette.
As a wife and mother of three young adult sons, Elise knows first-hand that making the learning process fun is important. Humor, fun games and role-plays are part of every camp and course offered.
Her advice columns, guest appearances on talk shows and blog posts on mrsmcveigh.com provide tips for parents to talk to their kids. Some of the latest content provides talking points for parents in teaching travel manners on the school bus, in the car, carpool or airplane, for example.
In-Person or On-Line Instruction Offered
In the Dallas area, Mrs. McVeigh offers in-person classes. at schools, and through organizations such as the National Charity League and Young Men’s Service League. Members of the boy or girl scouts can earn etiquette badges for attending classes. And team also works with individuals to form private or small group classes. Most of the curriculum is also offered virtually.
Instruction for Children and Professionals, Too
While her initial offering focused on young children, aged 3-11, the curriculum has evolved to include teen/preteen classes to prep for a rewarding college experience. And older children can find resources to take their social skills to the next level before going on a job interview, or meeting their significant other’s parents. Any age group can benefit from an interactive Etiquette Dinner explaining how to set the table and how to correctly use utensils.
Even adult managers and HR facing the challenge of helping their employees adapt to modern manners in the workplace have turned to Mrs. McVeigh’s Life Camp to tailor a talk or create curriculum to address their needs.
Popular talks include Professionalism 101; How To Teach Your Children Good Manners; Getting Out The Door On-Time With Children; and Teaching Your Employees (or Children) How to Be More Effective Communicators.
Visit MrsMcVeigh.com for more information.
