Etiquette Training in Summer? Yes!

It has been a busy and productive summer of teaching etiquette and manners to the youngest among us. Summers offer the time and space to introduce and recall social protocols in a more relaxed and casual way. So far, the children this summer have been receptive and delighted by learning and practicing manners whilst wearing summer dresses with sandals and polos and shorts with sneakers or Crocs.

We tend to forget that children are in many social situations during the summertime - from visiting the pools or tennis courts to playdates and picnics with other families not to mention family reunions and summer weddings. How nice to use summer as a terrific time to practice these skills.

I encourage all of the adults which young charges to maintain their standards of manners even as the temperature rises. Here are a few ways to gently keep things in order:

1. "Please" and "thank you" are appropriate even when one is eating outside.

2. Continue to practice introductions as new friends and acquaintances are made.

3. Even when one eats outside, the same basic table manners apply (with perhaps the exception of spitting out watermelon seeds into a lake or the family eating sans a proper shirt when picnicking at the beach).

A few words about sharing personal toys in public spaces -

To share or not to share. While I believe that it's nice to usually do so, I am not of the belief that every child must share all of their things every time anyone asks. It's really up to the parents to state in advance whether the child is allowed to share; AND, it's up to the child in the moment to decide if he or she wishes to share. In some cases, it may be a good practice to bring an extra (or two) meant for sharing.

I suggest that the toys have markings/labels that indicate ownership to avoid confusion. All parents are likely familiar with the old toddler saying - "If it looks like mine, it's mine."

In addition, the child should ask the owner - "May I play with your shovel?" He should be prepared for a "no" reply. If the answer is "yes," he must be prepared to play with it in a place where the owner can see as well as to return it as soon as the owner asks. Also, if the borrower begins to misuse the toy, a child should feel empowered to approach and say "Please don't bite my pool noodle" or to ask for it back, play with it for a bit then return it to his parents for safe keeping.

I trust you will continue to enjoy your summer. I encourage you to eat outside often.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Leverette

#summer #ChildrensEtiquettte #sharing