There are far too many opportunities during the day for a child to be unmannerly. A brother takes a sister’s favorite pencil to do math. A sister eats the last of the Fruit Loops. The dog eats a child’s favorite toy.
Homeschoolers spend a great deal of time together as a family which has its joys and its trials. Cabin fever sets in during the cold months and soon you consider decorating your walls with steps to make it safer for the kids to climb.
Manners are difficult to instill between grading science, assigning book reports and finding your toddler’s favorite toy. We find ourselves reacting to poor behavior like, “Susie it isn’t nice to throw a Lego at your brother’s face. Say you are sorry.” We remind our children to say magic words. Soon our lessons in etiquette and proper behavior become more like nagging and our pleas to have our children say “please” become background noise. Correcting poor manners is not teaching proper manners.
I have found that purposely teaching proper manners in a fun way to be effective. One such method is through tea parties. What little girl does not love a tea party? Tea parties are not only infused with Raspberry White Tea, they introduce proper etiquette. Little girls enjoy all the trimmings of tea parties including the proper behavior. Following etiquette makes them feel like little ladies and in turn they develop the habit of etiquette. Tea parties are also a fun mother/daughter experience which sets the stage for years of memories as warm as a cup of Earl Grey.
So where do you begin in planning your tea party? My girls want to go all out from wearing hats to gloves to drinking tea and eating mini sandwiches. My recommendation is to purchase supplies to make a real tea party experience. I have a plastic tote filled with supplies for cozy afternoon tea parties.
What should fill your Tea Party Tote with?
- Feather boas
- Tea Time Gloves
- Tea Hats
- Parasols
- Folding Fans
We have had so many lovely afternoon teas. When we have a tea I explain how a lady behaves and each little girl responds beautifully. So when we are not having a tea, and manners are not on the forefront of their minds, I simply remind them to act like little ladies.
What should I do if I have boys?
Instead of a tea party to reinforce etiquette and table manners, have a formal dinner party. Discuss the rules beforehand so your child knows what to expect. Take the opportunity to teach basic table manners. Allow your son to wear a shirt and tie for effect.
Etiquette and Character Series
Join me for this series for advice and strategies to teaching classy character and elegant etiquette. This is part of the iHomeschool Network Hopscotch which is filled with amazing posts by amazing bloggers. Make sure you check out the page to learn more about the Pin to WinGiveaway!
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1 comment:
Richele,
What a cute and practical idea for both the boys and the girls. manners make everything go more smoothly and will (hopefully) passed on down to the grandchildren! lol
I apologize for not commenting for so long. Life and circumstances surrounding my mother's health and finances have made extra time scarce. I appreciate you and your wonderful, informative blog. Blessings, dear one!
BTW, while I am thinking of it, if you ever link-up, please consider joining in the "EOA' Wednesday link-up. You would bless the readers and be a great addition to the community.
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