How do I improve my kids manners?

Etiqueta Excellence promotes good manners.
by Yvonne Salas

What is Etiquette? What are it’s origins? Why is it important
for me in 2010?

Etiquette can be defined as the rules of conduct that are used in
social behaviour. They are the rules that govern and guide human conduct so that we may have a peaceful society where we show respect and consideration for others.

Etiquette is a French word that originally meant “sign” and was
used during the reign of Louis XIV. The story goes that the gardeners in the Palace of Versailles used to place “etiquettes”( signs or labels) around the beautiful gardens so that the nobles would not trample the flower beds. This goes along with the fact the King Louis XIV instituted the most elaborate court norms or
“etiquette“, which had to be rigorously kept by the nobles. King Louis XIV, reigned for 72 years and from the moment he got out of bed until he retired at night, he was attended by the leading nobles of his time, who each had very specific and elaborate duties to perform.

Of course, etiquette evolves within cultures and time periods.
Until the 1960’s the importance of good manners was quite
established in the United States and there were very well
known and recognized authors, such as Emily Post, who
wrote her first book on Etiquette in 1922 and founded her
Institute of Etiquette in 1946.

Until the l970’s both private and public schools, churches and
children’s groups taught good manners, but there has been a marked decline in the teaching of manners since then.
Since the 1990’s there has been a revival of Etiquette courses
and many articles in both local and national newspapers and
magazines indicating the fact that our society has become more
and more lax in the keeping of social conduct and good manners, both in our relation to others and in such an important place as the table.

It is our responsibility to foster and preserve good manners in our children and families. Good manners are a matter of habit, and they become so with repeated behaviour, which is required whenever we are in specific situations.
We, as adults, are often placed in situations where our doubts in terms of proper table etiquette can have really bad consequences. Imagine that you are having dinner with your boss and the subject of discussion is if you are ready for that next position in the corporate ladder.
Dinner begins, the waitress places the bread bun on a small plate to your left and another to your right. Are you sure which bread is yours? You want to start eating, but what if you eat your boss’ bread!
Don’t despair, we can all learn the rules of table etiquette.
Your bread is always on the bread plate to your LEFT!

You see, now, there is a piece of information that once you have learned it, will allow you to relax and have one less thing to worry about when you are having dinner with your boss, or the Queen of England for that matter.

Look for an etiquette school near you and give yourself and your children the gift of a lifetime by attending a table manners course!

www.etiquetaexcellencemanners.com