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.
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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.
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Fantastic magnetic shapes which actually increase in value as children get older and it's certainly fun for adults to join in with as Anne Coates discovered, playing with her granddaughter Lizzie.
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Health Optimisation Summit explores the latest innovations, trends, and strategies in health and performance. Founder Tim Gray reveals his top health tips for making the most of your vacations.
Active Leah is a cuddly doll which says Mama, makes sucking noises when fed, burps, cries and sleeps after being gently rocked – a dream doll for toddlers and young children, writes Anne Coates.
Teddy Keen, editor and compiler of The Lost Book of Adventure, discovered the works and illustrations of The Unknown Adventurer in a sealed metal container in a remote hut on the banks of Jari River. Review by Christine Mayle.
Dr Emma Derbyshire who headed a new research review published in the journal of Gynaecology and Women’s Health Research, explains the benefits of Ubiqinol especially if you are struggling to conceive.
The Surprise Box doubles as a vending machine, adding to the excitement for slime enthusiasts. Natasha Da Souza's two daughters, loved discovering what was contained in each of the 20 golfball sized containers.
Ruth Ewing, pregnant with her first baby, takes inspiration and reassurance from this collection of birth stories shared by 30 women from the US, Canada, and the UK collected by Claire Fulton. Not all deliveries go to plan but all end on a positive note.
Puzzles, matching and recognising shapes are a precursor to learning to read and these lovely wooden animals offer a fun and educational way to begin recognising the alphabet for toddlers and young children. Review by Anne Coates.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaces the existing EHIC and can be used to get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country.
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As part of a new menu launch, Frankie & Benny’s are introducing five seriously indulgent burgers and to celebrate they’re giving away a staggering £100,000 worth of burgers absolutely free. Get your voucher code now.
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Three great books for older readers – adventure and romance: Alice with a Why by Anna James illustrated by Matthew Land; Amelia, if Only by Becky Albertalli and Rewind to us by Molly Morris. Perfect summer reading and gifts.
Clara Kervyn, Physiotherapist, Pilates, and Musculoskeletal specialist and Elyn Marwick, Personal Trainer, Coach and Functional Fitness Specialist advise on what to do when you're suffering pain in your feet and ankles.
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Parenting Without Tears has teamed up with Zapf Creation UK to offer readers the chance of winning one of their fabulous toys: BABY born doll, BABY born My Cat Cookie, Splish Splash Surfing Berta and Splish Splash Swimming Emma.
Frontier Publishing introduces, Ava Spark: Hello I’m Here!is the first in a brand new young fiction series, following life through the eyes of ten-year-old Ava Spark as she navigates the trials and tribulations of home, school, friendships and family.
These HECCEI sunglasses are perfect for toddlers – a lightweight nylon frame which is ergonomically designed for small faces and which changes colour in the sunshine while offering protection from both UVA and UVB rays.