This week we addressed a topic that isn’t often talked about but is typically expected of one to possess. There are certain levels of etiquette expected in everything that we do. Whether it is what we say, how we act, how we dress, or how we address others, these skills and mannerisms are important. 

Etiquette isn’t something that people typically come by naturally. It is one of those skills that you have to learn. If you don’t learn it from being taught, you might learn it when you make a mistake. Learning from correction is a valid way to develop a skill, but it is not a fun way to gain understanding. To save your child the pain and embarrassment of learning from failing, teach him the importance of etiquette at a young age.

There are small easy ways for children to demonstrate good etiquette. One is simply saying thank you when someone does something for them. So many children no longer say thank you when you hold a door for them or make them lunch or give them something. This used to be second nature behavior. This is a great place to start with teaching your children etiquette. 

Another etiquette skill that parents should practice with their kids is table manners. While it might seem like people don’t care as much about table manners as they once did, your child might take on a job that includes business lunches or dinners. In these instances, table manners can be the difference between closing a deal or not or getting a promotion or not. Good table manners can make someone stand out in situations like these and appear competent and poised. These attributes instill confidence in others about working with you. 

Etiquette is extremely important in corporate settings. There are so many unspoken rules of how/when to email, who you can and cannot address, when to be actionable and when to hold back, etc. It is crucial that you begin etiquette training now so that when your children are faced with these instances, they already have an idea of how to face them. If you do not teach your children to be conscientious of others, they will have a much harder time learning how to do it later in life. Or even worse, they may never learn to do it. 

Start small but start now with etiquette training. Teach your kids to be polite and gracious and people will be drawn to them. In this day and age, so many people are doing the bare minimum to get by. Training your children in etiquette will help them stand out and rise above their peers. If you want to give your child the upper hand, teach him etiquette. 

                                                                                                                        Bria