Patriotic Manners - beyond fireworks and parades

 

Patriotic Manners: Showing Love for Your Country Through Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness

By Yvonne Salas

When people think about patriotism, they often picture flags waving proudly, fireworks lighting up the sky, or parades honoring our nation's history. While these traditions are meaningful, true patriotism is also reflected in something much simpler: the way we treat others every day.

Teaching children patriotic manners means helping them understand that love for one's country goes beyond words and celebrations. It is demonstrated through respect, responsibility, kindness, gratitude, and active participation in our communities.

Good manners and good citizenship are deeply connected. When children learn to show respect for others, care for public spaces, obey rules, volunteer in their communities, and appreciate the freedoms they enjoy, they are practicing patriotism in its most authentic form.

Celebrate National Holidays with Purpose

National holidays, such as this upcoming “Flag Day” celebrated on June 14^th,  offer wonderful opportunities to teach values, history, and gratitude. Instead of focusing only on decorations or festivities, families can make these occasions meaningful learning experiences.

Simple ideas include:

• Reading together about the significance and history of the holiday.
• Visiting local memorials or historical landmarks.
• Watching community parades and discussing their meaning.
• Talking about the values represented by the occasion, such as courage, sacrifice, service, and unity.
• Expressing gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy.

These conversations help children understand that patriotic celebrations are about honoring the people and principles that have shaped our nation.

Create Family Patriotism Traditions

Children learn best through consistent experiences at home. Small traditions practiced throughout the year can leave a lasting impact and strengthen both family values and civic responsibility.

Consider creating traditions such as:

• A monthly family service project that benefits your local community.
• Learning about an American inventor, leader, scientist, or humanitarian each month.
• Visiting museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks together.
• Displaying the American flag respectfully during national holidays and teaching proper flag etiquette.
• Keeping a family gratitude journal that highlights appreciation for community helpers, freedoms, and opportunities.

These simple activities reinforce that patriotism is lived through action, not just celebrated on special occasions.

Everyday Patriotism Starts with Everyday Manners

Saying "please" and "thank you," respecting differences, helping a neighbor, caring for public property, and showing responsibility at school are all habits that contribute to stronger communities.

When children understand that kindness, integrity, honesty, and service are forms of civic responsibility, they begin to see themselves as active contributors to the future of their country.

Patriotism is not reserved for holidays or ceremonies. It is reflected in the choices we make every day and in the values we pass on to the next generation.

By teaching patriotic manners, we are not simply raising polite children—we are nurturing respectful citizens, compassionate neighbors, and responsible future leaders who understand that love for country begins with love and respect for the people around them.

The future of our nation is shaped not only by what children know, but by how they choose to live, serve, and treat others every single day.

 

Raising Confident Tween Girls- Social Skills and Manners

 

Raising Confident Tween Girls: The Most Important Manners for Tween Girls in 2026 & How Parents Can Teach Them

Parenting a tween girl today comes with new challenges, but also incredible opportunities. As our world becomes more digital and fast-paced, social skills and good manners remain essential foundations for confidence, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships. In 2026, parents are increasingly looking for effective ways to help their daughters navigate friendships, school environments, and online spaces with grace and kindness.

To support today’s families, I created the Digital Tween Girls Social Skills Journal, available in my Etsy shop. This guided workbook is designed to help tween girls (ages 8–12) build the communication skills, etiquette awareness, and self-confidence they need to thrive—both in person and online.

Parents can use a guide

on the most important manners for tween girls in 2026 and the best parenting strategies to teach those social skills, along with how a journal can help reinforce these lessons at home.

How the Digital Tween Girls Social Skills Journal Helps

This printable etiquette and social-skills workbook was created to make learning manners fun and meaningful for tween girls. Inside, your daughter will find:

• Guided reflection questions
• Real-life etiquette scenarios
• Social-skills activities
• Confidence-building prompts
• Cute, girly designs that make learning enjoyable

Parents can use the journal as a teaching tool to start positive conversations, practice manners more consistently, and help their daughter grow into a poised, confident young lady.

Final Thoughts

The world your daughter is growing up in is constantly changing, but one thing remains timeless: good manners and strong social skills never go out of style. By teaching the most important manners for tween girls in 2026 and using the best parenting strategies to develop these social skills, you're giving your child a foundation that will benefit her for a lifetime.

If you’d like a beautiful, guided resource to support your daughter on this journey, explore the Digital Tween Girls Social Skills Journal in my Etsy shop. It’s a gentle, empowering way to build confidence, kindness, and real-world etiquette—one page at a time.

 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EtiquetteExcellence

Showing up with Uninvited Guests

 When an Invitation Isn’t for Everyone: Why Uninvited Guests (and Pets) Shouldn’t Tag Along

Imagine this.

You’ve spent the week preparing your home for friends who are coming to stay over the weekend. Fresh linens are on the bed, groceries are stocked, and you’ve planned a few meals and outings that you know your guests will enjoy. Everything is ready.

Then the doorbell rings.

Your friends arrive—along with someone you’ve never met… and their dog. Suddenly, the quiet weekend you envisioned feels very different. Sleeping arrangements don’t work, the extra guest has dietary restrictions you didn’t plan for, and your neighbor (who already dislikes barking) is now giving you side glances across the fence.

Your smile stays polite, but inside, you feel caught off guard.

 

Why It Feels Disrespectful

While the extra guest or pet might seem harmless to the person who brought them, to the host it can feel like an intrusion. When someone invites you into their home, it’s not the same as inviting you to a public event. They’ve considered space, time, and energy for you.

Adding another person or animal changes the entire dynamic. It may stretch the household budget, overwhelm a carefully planned weekend, or make other guests uncomfortable. And let’s not forget allergies, safety concerns, or even house rules that are disrupted without warning.

At its heart, showing up with an uninvited guest or pet sends a message—intentional or not—that the host’s boundaries don’t matter.

The Graceful Alternative

If you’ve been invited to a weekend stay but feel you can only attend if you bring someone else (or your pet), the considerate step is simple: ask first.

A host may happily say, “Of course, bring them along!” Or they may hesitate because it truly doesn’t work for their household. If that’s the case, the gracious thing to do is either make alternate arrangements for your guest/pet—or politely decline the invitation.

Either way, you’ve respected your host’s effort and maintained the trust that makes hospitality possible.

Good Manners Make Good Memories

The best weekend visits are the ones where both guest and host feel comfortable, relaxed, and appreciated. That happens when we arrive as invited—no more, no less—ready to enjoy the gift of someone opening their home to us.

So the next time you receive a warm weekend invitation, remember: the kindest way to say “thank you” is by showing up just as expected—without surprises, without extras, and with plenty of gratitude.

Social Etiquette for Professional Success

BACK TO SCHOOL ETIQUETTE TIPS

 

                                     BACK TO SCHOOL ETIQUETTE

Parents are busy now preparing their children for the new school year. New uniforms, books and school supplies take priority; but it is the perfect time also to remind our children of how important it is for them to practice good manners and polite behavior in school.

These etiquette tips for school etiquette will help your child give a good first impression from day one, build positive and strong relationships and feel confident in knowing what is the correct behavior while in daily school activities and in special events. Greet teachers and classmates with a smile

1-     Greet teachers and friends with a smile and making eye contact

2-     Respect personal space

3-     Respect school property and materials

4-     Use Polite Words – please and thank you always

5-     Follow school rules and instructions

6-     Be inclusive and Kind

7-     Take responsibility for your actions

8-     Keep your belongings clean and organized

These are etiquette principles that will boost your child’s self-confidence as they build the social skills  they need to thrive in any academic setting and beyond.

Wishing parents and children a kind, polite and successful school year!

 

FLAG DAY ETIQUETTE

 

Flag Day in the United States is observed June 14^th every year, to commemorate the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States on June 14^th, 1777 by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

Our flag should be beyond politics and it is my hope that we continue to respect it as one of our national symbols  and, therefore, teach our children the importance and deep meaning of practicing “Patriotic Manners”

Flag Etiquette, is determined by the official guidelines found in the U.S. Flag code (Title 4 of the United States Code) which determines how it should be displayed. it’s location and position in relation to other flags and how it should be retired when too worn to be displayed.  

I take this opportunity to remind you, that our Flag Protocol indicates that the national flag stand alone on a stage, to the audience’s left.  No other flag is placed to the right of the flag.

Another #flagetiquette tip is to remember that when displaying the flag horizontally against a solid background, the blue field with the stars (called the "union") should always be at the top left when you are observing it.

Have a wonderful Flag Day and share the pride for this national symbol.

Graduation Etiquette Reminders

 

GRADUATION ETIQUETTE

 

This is the time of year for Graduations, and therefore, a good time to review some graduation etiquette so you have confidence in what is the right behavior when we receive an announcement or an invitation. Now cap and gowns commencements start as early as Kindergarten so you not only could receive them for a high school or college graduation but for pre-school, fifth or eighth grade!

Let's begin with the understanding the difference between a graduation announcement and an invitation to a graduation ceremony or party.

 

An Announcement, as its name implies, is simply a way of informing friends and family that a young man or woman has accomplished an academic goal. It does not require your attending any event whatsoever.

 

If you receive a graduation announcement, you are not required to send a gift to the graduate. You, of course, may do so if you wish, receiving a gift is always nice, but you do not have to. What is always a nice gesture is to send a card or note congratulating the graduate for his/her accomplishment.

 

On the other hand, if you are invited to the ceremony or the celebration of the graduation, you must send or take with you a gift to the event. Teens don’t seem in general to be too concerned with buying their friends gifts, but it is our duty as parents to show them how considerate it is to take a gift to their friend’s celebration.  It is also a good opportunity to talk to your teens about money and budgets when you go out shopping together for that gift and guide them into an area of adulting many times neglected, which is talking about their money management.

 

Another aspect that is always a delicate topic is who gets invited to the actual commencement. Usually,  high school and college graduation ceremonies have a limited number of invitations allotted per student. Most family members will understand that it only allows for very close members to attend, but always explain the situation to relatives so they don’t feel they have been left out of this important family event.  A considerate way of dealing with this problem is to make sure that members from each side of the family of the graduate attend. For instance, if you only have two available tickets, invite one grandparent from each side, instead of the couple from either the mother’s or father’s side.

 

If you have a large family that is used to big celebrations and want to participate in the festivities to show how proud and happy they are for the graduate,  then hold a party. It does not even have to be on the same day of the ceremony which might be too much for one day, but hold it any day after the graduation and make sure to invite everyone so they all share the family joy. 

 

Enjoy this graduation season and share the joy of theses special occasions!

 

 

 

IMPORTANCE OF THE PERFECT HANDSHAKE

 IMPORTANCE OF THE PERFECT HANDSHAKE

Handshakes are a crucial part of making a good first impression, therefore, I want to share with you seven tips to always get them right! In the business world it is well known that a firm, confident handshake provides the best setting for a favorable impression. We all know that your handshake should follow rules of etiquette, show confidence and avoid awkward situations but how do we put all that into practice? 

Here are my 7 tips:

1- Always stand up to shake hands.

2- Always maintain eye contact while shaking.

3- Make sure that you give a full palm so you can reach web to web of thumb.

4- Do not shake (pump) more than 3 times.

5- Always smile – makes a pleasant facial expression

6- Avoid the extremes- No limp “dead fish” or too strong “bone crusher”

7- Always make sure your hand is not sweaty or wet from holding a drink!

Follow these seven steps and you will give the perfect handshake and a positive professional first impression.

CELEBRANDO LA DEMOCRACIA - ETIQUETA Y PROTOCOLO DE LA JURAMENTACION PRESIDENCIAL EN ESTADOS UNIDOS

 ETIQUETA Y PROTOCOLO DE LA JURAMENTACION PRESIDENCIAL EN ESTADOS UNIDOS

A solo dias de la Juramentación del presidente numero 47 de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, considero apropiado compartir información sobre este trascendental acto cívico que constituye las Ceremonias Inaugurales que se han celebrado en 60 oportunidades.

Lo primero que debo destacar es que este traspaso de mando implica la celebración de 235 anos de democracia, un logro que debemos enfatizar e indicar a nuestros hijos, ya que desafortunadamente en nuestros países de Latino América, la democracia es un bien efímero para la gran mayoría de la región.

Pero volviendo a la toma de posesión presidencial en Estados Unidos podemos observar que los eventos que constituyen tres dias de actividades, en su mayoría, han emanado de las tradiciones y los gustos de los presidentes electos. 

Un aspecto especificado en la Constitución -en su Articulo II, Sección 1- es que el futuro presidente debe pronunciar el Juramento que textualmente aparece en la Constitución. Sin embargo, no indica que debe jurar sobre una Biblia, a pesar que por tradición la mayoría de los presidentes así lo han hecho, aunque hay algunos, como el caso de John Quincy Adams que lo hizo sobre libros de Derecho.

Otro aspecto Constitucional, es el indicado en la Enmienda numero 20 de 1933, que establece el dia 20 de enero como el dia de la Juramentación, ya que antes de ese momento, la juramentación se realizaba el dia 4 de marzo, fecha que el Congreso Continental había establecido para el inicio del mandado del Primer presidente de los Estados Unidos, George Washington. Es interesante destacar que, si el 20 de enero cae un domingo, el presidente se juramenta en privado en la Casa Blanca y el Acto Público de Toma de Posesión, se celebra el lunes 21.

Referente al Protocolo que nace de las tradiciones destacamos que la administración del Juramento presidencial esta a cargo del presidente del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia, sin embargo, no es un requisito constitucional y en varias ocasiones lo ha realizado otro funcionario.

Otro aspecto protocolar que difiere de muchos otros países, es que, en Estados Unidos, los presidentes no utilizan una Banda Presidencial. Esta decisión nace con el inicio de la República, ya que se quería deslindar de las tradiciones europeas monárquicas en las que el poder político y la autoridad se representaba con símbolos como bandas y condecoraciones. En Estados Unidos, la transmisión de mando se destaca por su austeridad y sobriedad resaltando los valores de igualdad entre los ciudadanos.

Hay muchos otros detalles en estos tres dias de celebraciones que varían y se adaptan a los momentos históricos que vive el país y repito a los gustos y deseos de los presidentes electos, ya que como mencione anteriormente no están estipulados como mandatos constitucionales.

Finalmente, quiero compartirles que el carácter público de esta juramentación se extiende a la oportunidad que tienen los ciudadanos de todo el país de asistir personalmente al acto.  Para este dia se elaboran boletos gratis que cualquiera puede obtener contactando a los Senadores y/o Representantes al Congreso de su jurisdicción para solicitarlos. Claro está, es un número limitado así que, si están interesados en asistir a la próxima la transmisión de mando del 2029, acuérdense de estar en contacto con la comisión organizadora del Congreso conocida por sus siglas en inglés, JCCIC -JOINT CONGRESSIONAL COMMITEE ON INAUGURAL CEREMONIES, ¡para saber cuándo estarán disponibles!

Name Card Etiquette - what is a guest supposed to do?

 

Place cards are set at the table and indicate which seat each guest is supposed to sit in. It tells the guest where they will be seated during the meal. They are part of the place setting for each guest.

The host takes a lot of time to create the perfect seating arrangement of their guests by ensuring that it will create lively and enjoyable conversation for all.  Seating, next to each other people of shared interests or experiences or even language is very conducive to a fun dining experience.

Due to this effort on the part of the organizers, it is definitely a faux pas, a big No-No for a guest to change or alter in anyway the  placement of the name cards. It is very rude of a guest to wish to rearrange what the host has decided is your location, even if you would rather sit next to your best friend.

Your host cares about creating an atmosphere for conversation that is both engaging and enjoyable and by trying to rearrange their thought-out plan you are disrupting their process. The invitation you received includes accepting the host’s indications as to where you will sit, as much as you must accept the menu that is being offered.

So, remember, if you want to be a well-mannered guest and one that will surely be invited again, never change or re arrange the name cards set at a table in order for you to decide where you would rather sit.

Remember also, that if there are no name cards placed at the table, the host may verbally indicate to you where they wish you to sit, so you definitely always comply with their desires, that is part of being a good guest.

 

Destrezas Sociales para Jovenes- herramientas para el exito

Etiqueta en las Graduaciones y Actos Academicos.

 Mayo es el mes de las graduaciónes, por lo que siempre es un buen momento para revisar algunos aspectos de etiqueta para las graduaciónes.

Bien sea una graduacion de pre-escolar, bachillerato o universitario, las reglas de comportamiento son similares.

Comencemos con la diferencia entre un anuncio de graduación y una invitación a una ceremonia o fiesta de graduación.

Si recibes un anuncio de graduación, no es necesario que envíes un regalo al graduado. Tú, por supuesto, puedes hacerlo si lo deseas, recibir un regalo siempre es agradable, pero no tienes por qué hacerlo. Lo que siempre es un buen gesto es enviar una tarjeta o nota felicitando al graduado por su logro.

Por otro lado, si te invitan a la ceremonia o a la fiesta, debes enviar o llevar contigo un regalo al evento.

Otro aspecto que siempre es un tema delicado es quién es invitado a la ceremonia de graduación. Por lo general, las ceremonias de graduación de la escuela secundaria y la universidad tienen un número limitado de invitaciones asignadas por estudiante.

La mayoría de los miembros de la familia entenderán que solo permite que asistan miembros muy cercanos, pero siempre explique la situación a los familiares para que no sientan que se han quedado fuera de este importante evento familiar. Lo que es una forma delicada de lidiar con este problema es asegurarse de que asistan miembros de cada lado de la familia del graduado.

Si tienes una familia numerosa muy unida que está acostumbrada a las grandes celebraciones, organiza una fiesta después de la graduación y asegúrate de invitar a todos para que todos compartan las festividades.

HALLOWEEN ETIQUETTE TIPS / Safety in Halloween

EtiquetaExcellenceManners: HALLOWEEN ETIQUETTE TIPS:   HALLOWEEN ETIQUETTE Yes, there is such a thing as Halloween Etiquette. What I mean by this is that it is a great opportunity to ...

BUENOS MODALES Y LOS BENEFICIOS PARA SUS HIJOS

 

BUENOS MODALES y sus BENEFICIOS PARA NUESTROS HIJOS

Yvonne Salas

 

Como padres estamos siempre preocupados por la crianza de nuestros hijos.

Una de las preocupaciones más usuales, es la que compete al comportamiento de nuestros niños tanto en el hogar, la escuela y cuando asistimos a lugares públicos. Una parte integral del desarrollo de un niño es su formación en destrezas sociales que se manifiestan con su comportamiento y el uso de los buenos modales.

Conocer y practicar las reglas de etiqueta a temprana edad, hará que los niños de manera mucho más fácil, logren hacer amistades, compartir con sus compañeros de clases y ser respetuosos y amables tanto con adultos como con sus amigos.

Los estudios demuestran que la falta de formación en el área de etiqueta y buenos modales, y destrezas sociales en general, conllevan a un resultado poco beneficioso para los niños, ya que les inhibe en establecer relaciones armoniosas, tener desajustes en el colegio y hasta fomentarle problemas emocionales de autoestima y hacerlos solitarios. Por todas esas razones es de vital importancia ensenarles reglas básicas de comportamiento desde temprana edad.

Saber saludar, despedirse, hacer contacto visual con la persona con quien habla, compartir y cooperar en juegos y actividades académicas y respetar personas, lugares y cosas, son destrezas que ayudaran a los niños a ser exitosos en cualquier situación social en que se encuentren.

Los estudios indican que los niños con una sólida formación en buenos modales tienen mayores logros académicos y personales. Entre los muchos beneficios a largo plazo está el que estos niños son más propensos a graduarse del colegio, y menos propensos a hacer “bullying” acoso, usar sustancias ilícitas y tener problemas con las autoridades.

Los padres, abuelos y educadores deben modelar las conductas que desean de sus niños. Deben ser consistentes con lo que enseñan para que los niños no se confundan respecto a la conducta esperada. Eso quiere decir, que, si se le requiere seguir reglas relacionadas a su comportamiento en lugares públicos, estás mismas reglas deben seguirse cotidianamente en el hogar, de lo contrario no podemos esperar un comportamiento deseado.

Si solo se les exige permanecer sentado a la mesa cuando están en un restaurante, pero en casa le permiten tirarse al piso y jugar debajo de la mesa cuando la familia esta cenando, es imposible creer que ese niño entenderá cuándo, dónde y cómo comportarse.

Modelar el comportamiento del uso del lenguaje amable y respetuoso es también fundamental. Si el niño ve a sus padres decir “gracias” y “por favor” en su interacción en el hogar, el no tardará mucho en copiar y repetir ese comportamiento.

El refuerzo positivo cuando el niño se comporta correctamente es también sumamente valioso para motivar al niño a seguir las normas indicadas y seguir las instrucciones que recibe. Una frase tan sencilla como “Gracias por haber guardado tus juguetes al terminar de jugar con ellos”, le refuerza el lenguaje amable, la norma de guardar sus cosas y cuidar de ellos y fomenta su autoestima.

A partir de los cuatro o cinco años ya los niños aprender a jugar y compartir juguetes con amigos y es el momento adecuado para enseñarles sobre la empatía y el control de nuestras emociones y entender las emociones de los otros. Con ello aprenderán como sus acciones y palabras afectan a los demás.

Para garantizarles un futuro feliz y exitoso a nuestros niños, debemos recordar la importancia de enseñarles a socializar demostrando respeto y amabilidad a todos los que le rodean.

No solo hay que preocuparse por su aprendizaje académico y deportivo, si no, también debemos prestar especial atención a su desarrollo social brindándoles la oportunidad de aprender reglas de buenas costumbres y destrezas sociales.

Puede ser que algunos padres sientan que no tienen el tiempo o el conocimiento para lograr implementar estas destrezas sociales en su hogar. A esos padres los motivo a buscar ayuda y asesoría bien con la lectura de libros sobre etiqueta para niños o acercándose a un experto en la materia que puede brindarle cursos y talleres especializados. Este esfuerzo redundará en un marcado beneficio en la salud emocional y en las relaciones interpersonales exitosas de sus hijos.

Para finalizar, les recomiendo mi libro "Etiquette for the Kids in your Life" lleno de acciones practicas para iniciar la ensenanza de buenos modales en el hogar.

 

Wedding Guest Etiquette

 

WEDDING GUEST ETIQUETTE

Yvonne Salas

 

September and October are considered the Peak of Wedding Season in the United States. Therefore, it is now a good time to have a short refresher on Wedding Etiquette if you are invited to attend one.

Being invited to a wedding is a fun and exciting event because you will be sharing a memorable day with a family member or a dear friend. You are very much appreciated by at least one member of the couple getting married, otherwise they would not have invited you. Right!

So, as their guest, there are some basic etiquette rules that you must abide by in order to be a good “Wedding guest”

First of all, read the invitation, carefully. It will have all the information you need to navigate attending with the appropriate response, dress and attitude. This means to be in the lookout for whom was the invitation addressed to. Does it include your significant other, or your children? If they are not mentioned in the envelope, then they are not invited. Pretty simple, so don’t make the mistake of assuming that if they invited you, you can bring along others.  You cannot!

Secondly, RSVP promptly.  Let me remind you that RSVP is French “Répondez S’il Vous Plait” and simply means Please Answer -It is important that you reply as soon as you can once you have confirmed that you are available to attend on the set date. Couples are waiting for your reply in order to give headcounts, assign guest table seating and all the details of the gifts for the attendees. It is basic courtesy to confirm and then to show up. The only excuse not to go to the event is a medical or family emergency and then you will let the couple know as soon as you find out!

Lastly, for now I remind you to follow the couple’s Dress Code, if indicated on the invitation. If it has not been expressly stated, use your good judgement by considering the venue and the time of day that the ceremony will take place.

There are many other aspects to consider for a good guest but we will discuss them in a future blog.

Enjoy the wedding season and always display your good manners.

 

 

 

Teaching Kids to be Kind

 

Teaching Kids to be Kind

 

In a world where meanness seems to be surrounding us and, therefore, our children see too much of it, what can we do to raise kind kids?

The good thing to know is that kindness can not only be modeled but also taught!

When we teach our children social skills, we are teaching them the rules of behavior that we expect from them, and they encompass treating others with kindness.

What does that mean? How do children understand and interpret those rules? Well they understand that being kind includes not using mean words, not making fun of others, no pushing or hurting siblings, friends or anyone for that matter.

Those are the no-nos, but the positive outcomes of being kind have to do with having empathy and helping someone, giving compliments, being thoughtful, standing up for others and definitely using their magic words and smiling and greeting those around them!

Being kind makes kids better people and when they are adults, they will reap benefits from it because it is a fundamental skill to have personal success. It allows them to work well with groups (team work) and to care about the needs of others. It will help them in such basic activities as knowing how to behave as a guest at a formal dinner, when and how to write a thank you note and how to kill that job interview!

So as parents and educators, lets devote some time to teaching kindness to the kids in our lives. 

I end with a suggestion, if you have not read my book "Etiquette for the Kids in your Life" pick up a copy in Amazon. It provides you with time tested strategies to teach kindness and good manners to your kids.

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Hostess - Excellence and Enjoyment

An Excellent Hostess during Thanksgiving Celebrations

 

We are only a few days away from Thanksgiving.  If this year is your turn to be the hostess of this very much looked forward to family reunion, you are probably feeling stressed out!.

Here are some very useful and easy to follow tips to make you an excellent hostess while at the same time leaving you time to enjoy yourself in the process and during the actual celebration and meal.

1-    RELAX- I know it is easier said than done, but start by trying and giving yourself some “me time”  Whatever is your special time, don’t skip it because you think you don’t have time. Pray, Meditate, exercise go for a run. Whatever it is, DO IT!  It will guarantee you  not feeling overwhelmed!

2-    MENU – there is not much to say about this topic, since it is usually a very traditional menu expected at this festivity BUT what I must remind you is to not experiment with a dish that you have never made before. It is not a day to be creative, but to plan ahead and as much as possible, have everything done by the day before.

3-    TABLE SETTING – set the table down to the flowers and candles the night before. A well set table can take you a couple of hours depending on how many guests you are expecting, so do it also the day before. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your beautiful table all ready for the family and friends to arrive.

4-    BAR – make sure that you have the wines and hard licor or spirits that you are planning to serve in the right amounts.  A typical bottle of wine is 750 ml, and you should get 5 glasses from it. So do the math, depending on the number of guests! If you are planning to serve white wine with the meal make sure that you have it in the refrigerator a couple of days before.

5-    HELP – once your guests arrive, accept if they offer to help you both in the kitchen and serving the meal. Remember that this is a time for family and friends to make memories and there is no better way than by enjoying the time together.

6-    ENJOY – the Turkey is ready to cut and the sweet potato casserole is filling the room with its scent. Sit down, be grateful, share your blessings and enjoy this wonderful moment of “Thanksgiving” with those you care.

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

 

Fomentando la Gratitud en los niños

 DIA DE ACCION DE GRACIAS

COMO ENSENARLES A NUESTROS HIJOS A SER AGRADECIDOS

 

En este mes de noviembre, celebramos en Estados Unidos el Dia de Acción De Gracias, el famoso “Thanksgiving".

Con ese motivo oímos muchos comentarios sobre la gratitud y es una buena oportunidad para entender la importancia de la gratitud en la vida de nuestros hijos y como les beneficia que les ensenemos a practicarla.

Estudios realizados en el año 2019 y publicados en el Journal of Happiness Studies, sobre la relación entre la gratitud y la felicidad en niños pequeños, encontró que hay una estrecha relación entre la gratitud y el nivel de felicidad en niños de hasta 5 años.

Otros estudios con niños entre 11 y 13 años, indico que los niños que practican la gratitud tienen no solo a ser más felices y optimistas, pero también demuestran estar más satisfechos con sus colegios, familias, comunidades, amistades y consigo mismos. Estos niños también tienden a ser más altruistas y dispuestos a ayudar a otros.

Todo lo anterior, nos lleva a pensar que si le ensenamos a nuestros hijos a ser agradecidos los estamos ayudando a ser personas felices, exitosas y empáticas cuando crezcan y lleguen a la adultez.

Pero aquí viene la gran duda de los padres, como les enseno a adquirir esta destreza, habito o actitud en la vida. ¿Como logro que pongan en práctica la gratitud?

Aquí les dejo unos consejos:

1-     Lo primero MODELAR la gratitud. No podemos enseñar lo que no practicamos, por lo tanto, es la responsabilidad de los padres practicar con el ejemplo. Junto a esto, esta también tener constancia y consistencia en el mensaje que enviamos. Nada se aprende en un dia así que no darnos por vencidos y seguir con esta meta.

2-     Ensenar a los niños desde que empiezan a hablar, a dar las gracias cada vez que alguien hace algo por ellos o reciben algo de manos de alguien. Es un habito que a pesar que inicialmente solo indica buenos modales, también va contribuyendo a crear conciencia en el niño del concepto gratitud.

3-     Crear un espacio en familia para conversar sobre las cosas por las que estamos agradecidos. Por ejemplo, a la hora de comer en familia, tomar unos minutos para que cada miembro diga una cosa por la que esta agradecido en ese dia. Es una excelente oportunidad para que los padres les manifiesten a sus hijos que están agradecidos por tenerlos como hijos. Este es un mensaje muy positivo para la autoestima de nuestros hijos mientras modelas agradecimiento por el simple hecho de su existencia.

4-     Explicarles el concepto de gratitud, sobre todo sobre cosas intangibles, pues ellos fácilmente entienden que, si alguien les da un regalo por su cumpleaños, deben agradecerlo.  Pero, que pasa si un compañero de clases le presta un juguete, o una maestra lo felicita por su buen comportamiento, entienden que esas acciones también deben ser agradecidas.

Fomentar los sentimientos de gratitud puede transformar nuestra actitud en la vida y ayudarnos a enfocarnos en las cosas buenas que nos suceden. Pero como todo lo que vale la pena, requiere practica y reprograma nuestro cerebro y el de nuestros hijos para tener una actitud de gratitud que nos permitirá ser la mejor versión de nosotros mismos y ayudar a convertir el mundo en uno mejor al brindarles una mano a quien más lo necesite y que mejor legado podemos dejarles a nuestros hijos.

¡Los invito a poner en práctica estos pequeños consejos y disfrutar los resultados!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¿COMO ENSENAR A NUESTROS HIJOS A SER BUENOS AMIGOS?

 

En este mes del amor y la amistad es una buena oportunidad para hablar con nuestros hijos sobre la importancia de establecer relaciones armoniosas/exitosas, desde niños.

Los estudios mas recientes de la Psicología Positiva, demuestran que tener buenos amigos desde la infancia es un indicador de felicidad durante toda la vida y de salud mental. ¿Pero, como hacemos para tener buenos amigos y llevarnos bien con ellos?

Lo primero es que, para tener buenos amigos, tenemos que ser un buen amigo nosotros mismos. Estas son destrezas sociales que es importante aprender a temprana edad porque se convierten es aspectos naturales del comportamiento de los niños.

¿Como se logra ser un buen amigo? Pues bien, aquí van algunos consejos que los padres pueden poner en practica en sus hogares para fomentar estas relaciones exitosas desde niños.

Enseñar con el ejemplo. Si los padres tienen amistades con quienes compartir y que los hijos vean que se tratan con cariño y respeto vamos por buen camino, pero volvamos a los especifico.

Características de buenos amigos:

1-    - Disfrutan de pasar tiempo juntos

2-    - Se divierten juntos

3-     -Ayudan a su amigo si esta triste o tiene un problema

4-     -Son leales y honestos

5-    -  Recuerdan cosas importantes para sus amigos – como cumpleaños y logros

Para poder ser un buen amigo, que manifieste las características anteriores, debemos enseñar a nuestros hijos a:

1-      Saludar, presentarse e iniciar conversaciones.

2-     Ser capaz de compartir, negociar actividades y llegar a acuerdos.

3-     Pedir disculpas si cometimos un error y enmendarlo en lo posible.

4-     Poder auto regular sus emociones, sobre todo las negativas.

5-     Ser comprensivo y perdonar los errores de los otros.

6-     Tener empatía y ofrecer ayuda si hace falta.

7-     Entender que podemos ser amigos de personas diferentes a nosotros. 

   Aqui en Etiqueta Excellence estamos listos para asesorarlos y ayudarles a combatir el acoso escolar por medio de la cortesia y los buenos modales en nuestros talleres para sus hijos.

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