“You’re stupid.” “Tell your brother you’re sorry.” “I’m sorry you’re stupid.” It’s a classic; in fact, I think I cut it out of a Family Circus comic once. The exchange itself might elicit a head-on-desk reaction, but the sentiment holds some truth: “saying sorry” is often insincere. In my … [Read more...]
Holiday Etiquette For Kids: What They Need To Know
The holidays are truly a magical time of year, especially for kids. It’s easy for them to get swept away in all the holiday excitement, and perhaps even easier for them to forget all their manners as well. So as family and friends come together, it’s important to remind your kids how to conduct … [Read more...]
Kids and Empathy: Teach Your Children Well
The idea of empathy has been on my mind a lot lately, in part because of this clip that made the rounds on social media about a week ago. While on Conan a while back, funnyman Louis C.K. discussed his views on why he doesn't want his kids to have cell phones... [youtube id="5HbYScltf1c"] The … [Read more...]
On Eye-rolling, Sass, and Why Manners Matter.
My kids have asked me in the past why manners matter, and why it's important to be polite, and my answer is always along the lines of, "because it shows respect for the people around you, and it demonstrates to others what kind of treatment you expect in return." Do unto others... really, that's … [Read more...]
Kids Are Gross.
Gross Things Kids Do:1. They don't flush the toilet. Nothing like lifting the lid to discover a day-old mound of kid-turd.2. They pee the bed. Not just a trickle, but a full-on geyser of urine while they sleep, and render the unsuspecting mattress unsalvageable. 3. They fart. Not cute, … [Read more...]
Manners for the Mesozoic
I spent much of tonight's dinner reminding my progeny to sit facing the right way, use forks, and, you know, not actually shoot pieces of food across the room, please. For reals. It's like they are being raised by wolves, except I am pretty sure I am not of the lupine persuasion, so I'm not sure how … [Read more...]
Etiquette for Ladies
"A pleasing modest reserve, and retiring delicacy, that avoids the vulgar stare of the public eye, and blushing, withdraws from the gaze of admiration, is beyond all doubt one of the principle beauties of the female character""It is this modesty that prevents any female taking prominent part in any … [Read more...]