Five Must Manners Before Your Child Turns Five Years Old.

We tend to think that tots are too young to learn manners, but the truth is, they are never too young to start learning.  Charlotte Mason was a woman who taught 9-year-olds Shakespeare. They actually recited Shakespeare!  This was possible because Ms. Mason believed in children and had high expectations of each child. 

If you have goals and aspirations for your child, now is the time to teach him/her good manners. Your child will get further in life and will be liked by playmates, adults and teachers. 

Whenever we see a child act out in public, we immediately blame the parents for not teaching the child good manners.  Young children are like dry sponges, the absorb everything you tell them, show them and teach them. They want to learn how to behave and engage appropriately with others. They want to be liked, respected and valued!

Here are the Five (5) Manners your child must know before turning five years old:

1.  The Magic Words:  How to say “please”, “thank you” and “you’re welcome”. If you can make these words a habit in your home, it will last a lifetime. 

2.  How to sneeze or cough in his/her sleeve and to say “pardon me”.  This will help prevent germs from spreading, especially when your child starts school. The teachers and other parents will appreciate children who know this before they get to school.

3.  How to say sorry and truly mean it.  

4.  How to KNOCK on doors before entering.  This teaches boundaries and privacy.

5.  How to say "Excuse me!"  For a child, waiting 5 minutes is like asking us to wait 30 minutes for a cup of coffee. They are naturally impatient, but if a parent jumps at every beck and call, the child will never learn patience. Instead of letting your child scream, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”, Show your child how to calmly and gently say, “Excuse me, Mommy.”

Next week, we will add to this list.  Also, I have great news!  I am teaching at U-ME Place in Menlo Park, CA on June 22, 2013.  Please see attached flyer and thank you again for following Tea Party Etiquette and for your support!

When did the word DISCIPLINE become bad?

I remember when the word discipline was a good thing. It was a compliment when someone told you that you “had discipline”.
 
The dictionary states the word “Discipline” as:

Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, esp. training that produces moral or mental improvement.

What happened? When did discipline become negative?

From the definition above, there is nothing in it that suggests abusive
treatment, spanking, shaming, yelling, or screaming.

So why is it that parents are afraid of disciplining their children? Why do adults resort to bribing the children instead?

Children want their parents to be in charge and in control. They feel safer knowing that their parents will protect them. One way of knowing that they are safe is by how their parents discipline them when they act out, throw a tantrum or scream in public.  It is not shameful when we correct them of their bad behaviors. 

It is, however, shameful when our children approach adulthood without the necessary tools to be a good citizen who is a welcome and productive member of society. It is shameful when our children do not have the skill set to function appropriately in school, in the public and in social settings.

When we establish behavioral standards, give clear expectations and respond consistently when standards are violated, the children are introduced to the basic structure of a civilized culture. Our Children Deserve a BRIGHT Future.
 
At Tea Party Etiquette, we believe in starting early to shape our children. We believe in teaching good habits in a loving and supportive environment.

So, discipline your kids; they will thank you for it...and so will their teachers and classmates. But most importantly, discipline them with love.