Holiday Manners for Kids

How The Holidays Can Help Teach Children Manners and Proper Etiquette

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

My kids and I are going to my sister's house for Thanksgiving and my entire extended family will be there. How can I get my children involved with this family-oriented holiday and get them to behave?

Sincerely,

Manners Minder

April Masini's advice:

Dear Manners Minder:

Thanksgiving is a great time to teach proper etiquette and reinforce manners with children. Here are some tips for both children and parents:

* Preparation. This means taking a nap, choosing special event clothing, and reviewing the use of good manners.

* Hostess gift. If you are not hosting, let your child help make or buy the hostess gift so they learn proper etiquette early -- guests never arrive empty-handed.

* Table Setting. Children can learn to set the table at age 5 and 6. Teach them where the multiple spoons and forks go as well as which side the glasses go on.

* Encourage Creativity. Involve kids and let them make place cards for the guests.

* Table Manners. Discuss in advance, with your picky eater, what the game plan will be if he/she doesn't want to eat something. Explain what food will be there, and what the child can do if he doesn't like the food. Keeping displeasure with the food to himself is a very important manner to learn.

* Thank you. Practice thanking the host and hostess for the meal and complimenting the cook.

* Follow up. Thank you notes go out within a week... and yes, the kids can write them.