Woohoo! It’s summertime! No carpooling or homework stress. Lazy mornings and late bedtimes. Less hustle and bustle. We get just a few weeks of this golden time with our kids (and only a handful of summers before they leave the nest). So, let’s do our very best to make the most of summer with … [Read more...]
Oops! I’m sorry! How to Apologize
No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes at times and finds themselves in situations where an apology is needed. Considerate, smart, and confident people know how to give a sincere apology. The do's and don'ts of a genuine and heartfelt apology: DO use good eye contact. DON'T simply throw … [Read more...]
The Silent Signals of Silverware
An important foundation of good table manners is knowing how to correctly use silverware- how to use the Continental and American methods, how to cut food correctly, and the silent signals. The silent signals are easy to learn and can be mastered by even young children. Here's a quick and … [Read more...]
your family’s Table Manners (I can help!)
Why are table manners so important? #1- Good table manners set the foundation for other important manners like respect for others, self-confidence, and being considerate. It all starts at the family table. #2- Having good table manners shows you're prepared for life. As our children leave the … [Read more...]
How to Create a Memory Making Family Dinner Table
I believe in the power of family dinners. Eating together is about so much more than getting food on the table and feeding hungry stomachs. Dinnertime can be a refreshing pause in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives whether you're serving takeout pizza or a homemade four-course meal. With a … [Read more...]
How to Introduce Yourself
It's normal for young people to feel nervous when meeting new people, but there's really no need to be. "How to introduce yourself" is an important skill that doesn't come naturally to most of us. With some instruction and practice, it will become a part of your children's everyday … [Read more...]
Meal Planner Printable for Busy Moms (It’s Free!)
You name it and I've tried it in my quest to be more efficient and better organized- smartphone apps, Google calendar lists, and expensive family organizers. But I always come back to the basic- a paper list & pen. To make my planning a little more fun, I asked my friend (who is a graphic … [Read more...]
How I Started My Etiquette Education Biz
Rewind with me to 2010. My kids were getting older and more independent so I wanted (and needed!) to find a way to contribute to my family’s finances. Life is expensive when you have three kids! But I was really conflicted- I didn’t want to miss out on volunteering at their school and going to … [Read more...]
Pizza Manners…is there such a thing?
Pizza is so loved it has its own day...February 9th is National Pizza Day! 🍕 Which is an awesome day to celebrate if you love pizza as much as my family does. How do you eat pizza with good manners? Is it possible? YES! You just do the best you can depending upon where you are and what you have … [Read more...]
Power Words
When my kids were young, they watched Barney, the big purple dinosaur, every morning on PBS. One Barney song still lingers in my mind. Odd I know, but it's a really catchy tune. 🎵 Please and thank you- they're called the magic words. If animals could talk, you'd hear the fishes and the … [Read more...]