Good manners, like other social skills, don’t just happen they are acquired. Some parents set a great store by their children having perfect table manners. Others have a far more laissez-faire attitude and are glad enough when their offspring remember to say please and thank you occasionally. However polite children tend to be more socially confident and a smile and a little charm can go a long way.
Table manners are important. You don’t want your child to be embarrassed when he goes to tea with a friend or during school dinners. Different cultures have different rules but the main thing is not to give offence to people eating with you - for instance talking with your mouth full and spraying others with food. Children follow the example set by adults, so having family meals at the table is good practice. As is eating out but if you can’t afford a restaurant, you could always arrange a “posh” meal at home.
Swearing and slang expressions can be very embarrassing if used in front of the in-laws. Try not to swear in front of children - and never at them - and if they do come home from nursery or school and turn the air blue explain that this is a bad word and they shouldn’t use it. Slang and silly expressions are more difficult to counter.
Tip: ask your child to keep “playground talk” between their friends and explain that it is inappropriate at home/church/in the classroom.
Please and thank you seem to be the hardest words for children to use and they need to realise how much their politeness may improve situations. If you constantly use these words when you’re asking her for something your child will imitate you. Try not to prompt your child in front of others with something like “What do you say then?”
Tip: use a sign that you’ve agreed on (for example touching your chin, holding your ear) or a special look to remind her.
Bathroom etiquette - there’s nothing worse than going into the bathroom and finding the loo unflushed and the seat up. Children are always in a rush especially if they’re playing with friends but encourage them to make flushing a loo and washing hands a matter of course. Boys should be taught to lift the seat and replace it afterwards.
Tip: use a chart with stars for every time you are happy with the bathroom or loo and deduct them if you’re not. Agree the number of stars for a small treat.
Undesirable behaviour - like picking his nose - criticise the behaviour not the child.
Tip: remember there is a difference between what you don’t like, for instance screaming matches or shouting from one room to another, and what is unacceptable like spitting or using foul language.
Look for good behaviour - rather than highlighting the bad - and make a point of praising your child for it.
Tip: sometimes it is wise to ignore the odd infringement of your house rules so you won’t sound like a constant nagger.
Talking - children need to learn to take turns in conversation and not to interrupt others.
Tip: listen attentively to what he has to say and don’t interrupt his conversations unnecessarily.
The Government has recognised the importance of of children developing good social skills with the inclusion of the SEAL - social and emotional aspects of learning - programme in secondary schools after it has been running in two thirds of primary schools through classes such as PE and drama. But to improve your child's chances of success in later life, there are simple strategies parents can follow at home.
On Safer Internet Day Steve Wilson, UK & Ireland Director at NortonLifeLock, encourages parents to talk to their children about keeping safe when when online.
If you don’t want to be constantly at loggerheads with your children it’s worthwhile establishing a few ground rules - that way you won’t be arguing the same point every time a similar situation arises.
Whether you are inviting another child on your weekend away/holiday or your son or daughter is joining another family for a break a bit of pre-planning can make it a much more enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Caring Corners collection covers a wide range of home sets from A Book at Bedtime to the Pet Playground. Neil Russell's daughter, Olivia, had great fun playing with the Table Manners set.
It can be challenging to raise a generous child in today's world, which is mostly filled with adolescents who have a "self first" mindset. But this is also precisely what makes this virtue all the more important. When kids are taught to be generous at a young age, they will adopt this attitude all their life. With that in mind here are five top tips to teach generosity to your child.
The Mumgaroo Baby Sling is lightweight and easy to wear making carrying a child a lot more comfortable and convenient than some other brands. Anne Coates and granddaughter Lizzie tried out the sling – and both are delighted with it!
Playful, vibrant and language-free children’s theatre show SPLAT! Is delighted to be hitting the road on a UK tour from May to August 2025. SPLAT! is a high-energy physical comedy about art, creativity and collaboration and it’s heading to 25 destinations across the country in 2025.
Anne Coates has chosen three fabulous new chapter books for confident readers or children who love to be read to: Small Fry by David Baddiel, The First Kid in Space by Tom Mitchell and The Kid Who Fell Through Time by Greg James & Chris Smith.
Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, Childline delivered 1,647 counselling sessions where the young person mentioned exam/revision stress. Here is some advice to pass on to your children and things you can do to help them.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, HarperCollins Children's Books have reissued the paperback editions of C.S. Lewis’ classic adventure series,The Chronicles of Narnia, with cover art from illustrator Owen Richardson. Parenting Without Tears has a complete set to be won in our latest competition.
Aldi is returning its popular Baby Event from 21 April, 2025 in its stores nationwide. Canny shoppers can snap up savings of up to 60 per cent off recommended retail prices while stocks last. Anne Coates went along to her nearest store to find out more.
The UK’s favourite Mexican restaurant Chiquito is offering unlimited standard nacho refills for 90 minutes, available every day from now until 30 April when you purchase two or more mains.
At Eastertide our thoughts turn to chocolate eggs – but picture books make great presents especially when they deal with eating – or being eaten! – by monsters. I'm Gonna Eat A Monster by Karl Tudor and Scott Wilson and A Good Night's Sleep by Emma Chichester Clark both offer a hilarious take on childhood fears, writes Anne Coates.
Christine Mayle says she always looks forward to reviewing Canal Toys and this Photo_Creator Instant Camera was no exception when asked to try it out with her seven year old grandson.
Following on from Look out! Hungry Lion and Look out! Hungry Snake comes the next two books in the Look Out! Hungry Animals series by Paul Delaney: Look Out! Hungry Spider and Look out! Hungry Shark. Review by Anne Coates.
Parker's Tavern, in the University Arms has just released its Easter Menu, which includes Easter Afternoon Tea available until 20 April as well as Good Friday and Easter Sunday specials. Chef Lee Clarke's shares his recipe for Hot Cross Bun Pudding.
This Easter holidays from 4 to 21 April, families dining at Côte can treat their children (aged 12 and under) to a delicious, high-quality meal for free when spending a minimum of £20.
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons, created by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers is a funny and beautiful celebration of mothers in all their shapes, sizes and and variations. Reviewed by Anne Coates
The Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet made by dynamicFRAMES® is a picture frame with attitude – it stores up to 50 A4 Pictures and is a boon for parents, grandparents and all recipients of children's art.
The award-winning children’s book The Detective Dog, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sara Oglivie, first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2016 is now brought to life by Tiny and Tall Productions and is currently on tour in theatres around the UK.
Award-winning author and illustrator, John Bond has produced a fabulous tale to delight youngsters from three plus: How Long Is That Dog? Review by Anne Coates.
Adult thriller writer, Joanne Sefton has turned her creative hand to writing for young adults with Ring of Truth, a compelling novel about truth and lies, reviewed by Anne Coates.
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Murray the Pirate is the third book in the Murray and Bun series, written and illustrated by Adam Stower. Reviewed by Anne Coates
Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Phillippa Leathley is the first in a brand new series that will captivate readers who love magic in their books, writes Anne Coates.