TIPS For Families

Which fork do you use?  Where do you put your napkin when you are through eating?  When do you reply to an RSVP?   Is it polite to make a cell phone call during dinner with friends or family?

It is important that children learn social skills to make them and others comfortable in all situations.  Teaching your children the intricacies of etiquette may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.  Remember etiquette rules are not rigid but guidelines and customs that put you and others at ease.   Rules will change and adapt as society evolves.  Etiquette is really a case of using your common sense and treating others and your environment with respect.

“Practice what you teach” and be a good model.  Children watch everything and even though you think your behavior is not being recorded, it is.  Avoid saying “Treat people with respect”, and then treat a store clerk disrespectfully or cut someone off in traffic.  Here are a few other suggestions:

• Give your child the chance to practice good manners.  Only through repetition do skills develop.  Encourage them to practice good manners wherever they are.

• Try to make mealtime special – even if you’re having leftovers.  Eating meals together is a great time to model good manners.

• Have the child set the table with the appropriate place setting, even if you are using disposable products.

• Don’t fight every etiquette battle that comes along.  Pick the ones that you thing are important and age appropriate.

It is never too early to start simple lessons with your children

For more TIPS for Families, go to unlforfamilies.unl.edu. Let us know how you used this information by clicking on the TIPS Feedback Form at the bottom of this page.