Party manners for our little social butterflies…
A few days ago, Petit bazaar had the great pleasure to welcome Bernice Lee, the founder and Director of ELI, The Etiquette and Leadership Institute. Bernice talked about Party manners for kids and how the parents could guide their children to becoming gracious host and guest.
Manners and etiquette for children is ranked as the most important quality to nurture in the family home. Good Manners are essential for every child’s self-confidence and success in life.
In the family home – this is where it starts, where the ‘manners seed’ is planted and nurtured. This is where your children learn not only good manners, but also core values and ethics. This is the haven where your children learn to be considerate, tolerant and respectful.
This is the place where your children put into practice the foundation of all the social etiquette they will need to carry them through life.
In Hong Kong, our little ones have a very busy social life, especially with holiday season around the corner! Play dates and parties are ideal opportunities to practice how to show consideration, respect, and appreciation.
Here are a few very easy manners, kids from very young age should learn and put in practice when they are hosting playdates or parties:
- First it is important to always implicate your kids in the organization of the party, the theme, the decor, the list of guests…
- Children are never too young to learn the art of welcoming family and guests. When the guest arrives, your kids can open the door and invite the guests in, smile and be welcoming. It is never too early to teach your child this valuable rule of etiquette and good manners, a warm and friendly greeting is essential.
- Your kid can then show their guest around their house and bedroom.
- If there are other friends staying over, tell your kid to introduce your friend to the visitors so they don’t just leave them standing there like a spare part.
It is equally important to have good manners as a host as well as a guest. One simple thing, your child you can do, with your help, is to write a thank you note after being invited. Kids should say thank you, too! It’s a great idea to get children in the habit of writing their own thank-you notes by preschool age. If your child can’t write yet, transcribe the note for him, and have him write (or scribble!) his name at the end. Recipients, whether grandparents, other family members, or friends, are guaranteed to be delighted!
Bernice Lee, the founder and Director of ELI, The Etiquette and Leadership Institute.
Bernice Lee is a certified etiquette consultant who specialises in teaching manners to young people.
Since starting her business in early 2014, she has taught over 500 individuals and received glowing reviews.
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