Teach your child how to graciously accept and give a gift

Teach Your Children the Etiquette of Gift Giving & Receiving This Holiday Season  

Now that the holiday season is here, it’s important that parents teach their children the proper way to give and receive holiday gifts. I have heard several stories from parents about how embarrassed they were when their child told the gift giver, “I don’t like it,” or “I already have one just like it!”

To avoid this dilemma, it’s important for parents to teach their children what to say when they are faced with this situation. Children do not mean to be ungrateful or hurtful; they are just being honest and telling the truth.

Explain to your children that buying a gift for someone is a generous offering and that receiving a gift is special too. In the gift giving process, it’s important for a child to be a part of the process. Talk to your children and ask them what they think a nice gift would be. Take them through buying or making a gift, wrapping it (with a little help) and then giving the gift. This will help them to understand how much time and thoughtfulness goes into gift giving.

Here are a few etiquette tips parents should teach:

How to Give a Gift

·        Never directly ask a person what he or she wants for a gift.

·        The gift should be about the individual you are buying the gift for.

·        Always wrap the gift neatly.

·        Don’t blurt out what the gift is while the person is unwrapping it.

How to Receive a Gift

·        Open the card first and then the gift.

·        Look the person in the eyes who gave you the gift, smile, and say “thank you.”

·        Do not ask how much someone paid for the gift.

·        If your child already has the particular gift or does not like the gift, the child should still just

         smile and say “thank you.”

Parents often worry a bit about how they can teach their children to be honest while simultaneously telling them to lie about being grateful when someone gives them a gift they don’t like. This can be a bit difficult to discuss with young children. At the age of about 3 or 4 though a child can comprehend the reasoning when explained to them with concrete examples. It is important to talk to children and let them know that lying for personal gain is an entirely different concept when compared to lying that is designed to spare another person’s feelings.

Lastly, do not forget to help your child mail a handwritten thank you note right away. Always mention the gift and how you will use it. It is not OK to email or text a thank you note as that is a very impersonal way of showing your gratitude. And parents, don’t forget to mention that when giving or receiving a gift, it is really the thought that counts and not the gift.

Remember that teaching your children to have good manners and social skills is a precious gift that will last a lifetime!

Please visit our website www.itsallaboutetiquette.com to learn more about our etiquette classes for the New Year!

Make it a Very Happy Thanks Giving

Thanksgiving Day is a day of gratitude for our blessings.  It is a day we gather with friends and family to celebrate a portion of those blessings with a feast of food. 

Thanksgiving etiquette tips for a grateful gathering.

For the Host

1.  Ask for help - If you are feeling overwhelmed and need a little help, ask a family member or a guest for help.  Guests are always willing to help out and it gives them time to share with you.

2.  Use place cards - Place your guests next to people you think they'll most enjoy talking to and keep relatives apart who don't see eye-to-eye.  Couples are split up so they can meet new people.  If you notice a conversation getting heated, jump in and change the subject.

3.  A hostess belongs with her guests, not in the kitchen - Clear the table, stack the dishes, put away anything that might spoil, but leave the clean-up until everyone has gone or do the dishes in morning.

For the Guest

1.  Bring a hostess gift - Wine, chocolates, holiday dish towels, flowers are a few suggestions. 

2.  Ask if you can bring a dish -  Offer some suggestions of what you're comfortable bringing.  You could say: "What may I bring?  I do make a yummy pumpkin cheesecake."

3.  Be a great guest - Introduce yourself to everyone. Start conversations by sharing how you know the host. Ask to help in the kitchen while the hostess is cooking,  Offer to refill drinks, and after dinner while she's cleaning up. Entertain the kids. 

4.  Avoid these topics -  Religion, politics, dietary restrictions and off color jokes.  Don't get stuck in the middle of a debate.  You may want to say: "I enjoy talking politics, but today I'm focusing on getting to know everyone's stories. What's your best Thanksgiving memory from childhood?" That approach is part of Thanksgiving manners.

Thanksgiving Bonus Tip:  

If you are a guest who brought food to the meal, and you leave early, you can take your container, but leave all (or most of) the extra food with the host in case someone wants seconds, or thirds. If you don't leave early, offer to leave the food you brought. If they say to take it, that's fine. 

I wish everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving with lots of heart felt memories.  Enjoy your love ones and your time together.

Please visit our website www.itsallaboutetiquette.com or call 

480 510-6346 for our 2019 course schedules.

You shouldn't use text messaging when...

TEXT MESSAGING IS A CASUAL FORM OF COMMUNICATION   YOU SHOULDN'T USE TEXT MESSAGING WHEN ... There are some instances when it is inappropriate to send a text.  The topic maybe too important, personal, formal or socially unacceptable.  The following are some scenario's you should consider another form of communication other than text messaging: Cancelling on someone at the last minute.  This deserves the courtesy of a phone call. Sending an invitation. Breaking off a relationship with someone. Asking someone out for a date. Making contact with an individual for the first time. Contacting an employer. Discussing critical work issues. Delivering bad news or good news.  This would require a face-to-face conversation or a phone call if that's the only option. Accepting or declining a job offer. Responding to voice mails should be followed up with a phone call.

Upcoming Etiquette Courses October 7 - 28 E Is For Etiquette ages 6-8   October 20 - November 10 Etiquette for Young Ladies and Young Men ages 9 - 12 Morning Class    Class size is limited early registration is advised. Visit our website in October for our New 2019 Etiquette Course Schedules www.itsallaboutetiquette.com or call us at  480 510-6346

This Summer Be The Perfect Houseguest that people will want to invite back

BE THE PERFECT HOUSEGUEST THAT PEOPLE WILL WANT TO INVITE BACK Staying with a friend or family member this summer?   It's important to brush up on your houseguest manners prior to your arrival.   Here are some tips that will make your stay enjoyable for everyone involved. Decide on a date -  Plan your dates with your host and stick to them. Avoid extended stays.  "Stay as long as want," doesn't really mean stay another week. Communicate who will be visiting-  Make sure your host knows who is coming. Don't show up with unexpected friends and leave "fluffy" at home.   Don't bring the kitchen sink - Be mindful of what you are packing.  Your host doesn't want to see that you've packed for a months stay. Keep living areas clean - If you are in the guest room keep that room neat and tidy. Make your bed every morning and hang up your clothes. A good rule of thumb is to keep this room as it was when you arrived. If you are sleeping on the sofa. Fold blankets neatly and put your pillow and bedding in a designated area out of the way,  Don't leave your things around the house, bring them back to your room.  This goes for toiletries in the bathroom.  Bring them in to get ready and take them out when you are finished.  Make sure you keep this room tidy as well.  Don't leave water stains on the mirror or towels on the floor. Help out as much as possible - Offer to buy groceries, cook dinner, take your host out to dinner, help with the dishes, and empty the trash. Don't expect the host to be your maid. Do these chores when the host is not around.   Your host is not your travel guide or your babysitter -  Try to plan things to do on your own.  You can certainly ask your host if they would like to join you, but they have probably been there done that already.  If you bring children to visit, have your children bring their best manners. Discuss what is expected of them prior to your travel.   Go with the flow -  Follow the house rules whatever they may be. When leaving, tidy up -  Strip your bed and take linens and towels to the laundry room.  Wipe down the bathroom counter tops and mirror of any stains. Gift for the host-  It is always nice to bring or send a gift. A thank you note should also be sent afterwards to let your host know how much you appreciated their hospitality.   Next year when your host calls you about coming out to visit for the summer, you can rest assure you were the perfect houseguest! Like us on facebook                                          Watch for us on Arizona Midday, Monday July 23rd.  Destry and I will be talking about  "Hotel Etiquette" Should you tip the maid?   1 p.m. channel 12 NBC Upcoming Etiquette Courses  Now Accepting Enrollment July Summer Etiquette Camp for ages 9-12 September 1 Business Etiquette Workshop for the Professional   September 8 & 9 Essential Etiquette for Teens ages 13 - 18   September 15 - October 6 E Is For Etiquette ages 6-8   October 20 - November 10 Etiquette for Young Ladies and Young Men ages 9 - 12    Class size is limited early registration is advised See what people are saying about our classes on Yelp! Class Location will be in Scottsdale

For more information about our  Business Etiquette & Professional Development Training  please visit our website at    www.itsallaboutetiquette.com or call 480 510-6346   SueAnn Brown Phone: 480-510-6346 Fax: 480-272-9974 Email: info@ItsAllAboutEtiquette.com  Follow Us

Hotel Guest Etiquette

Hotel Guest Etiquette        People you should tip: Parking valet - on drop-off and pick-up of your vehicle Doorman - on arrival and departure Porter - after bags have been picked up Concierge - if you have been working with the concierge.  At the end of the hotel stay Restaurant servers - 10 - 15 - 20% Cleaning staff - on the desk or dresser in a visible location each morning.  Leave a note saying it is okay to take the money as a tip Hotel Room Etiquette Treat all the furniture and fixtures in the room with care.Never take reusable items when you leave.  You may take consumables such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotions. However, bathrobes, towels, dishes, glasses, mugs, coffee pots, irons, and other objects are there for use only during your hotel stay.  Be a good neighbor.  Keep the noise down with the television, music, voices and anything that could disrupt the people next door.  If someone else is noisy, call the front desk.  Don't confront them let the hotel staff work it out. Before you leave the room for the day, put your dirty towels in a pile on one spot of the bathroom floor. Don't leave trash lying around. Dispose of it in trash receptacles. Do not answer the door unless you are fully dressed. Common Areas and Facilities  Be quiet when walking through the hallways after 9 p.m. and before 8 a.m. Do not slam your hotel door shut. Keep your children controlled in open areas.  No screaming or running around. When entering the elevator move to the very back so others can board.  Push floor buttons when everyone is in the elevator.  While waiting for the elevator, don't stand in front of the elevator.  Stand to the side so riders can exit. Pay attention to the gym and pool rules. Checkout    Be sure to check out on time.  If you need to store your baggage, ask the porter station to hold your bags. They will give you a ticket to claim your bags later. Happy Travels! Watch for us on Channel 15 News Thursday, June 22 at 10 p.m. We will be talking about when to tip and not to tip                                          Upcoming Classes Enrolling Now!    June & July Summer Etiquette Camp for ages 6-8 & 9-12 September 1 Business Etiquette Workshop for the Professional   September 8 & 9 Essential Etiquette for Teens ages 13 - 18   September 15 - October 6 E Is For Etiquette ages 6-8   October 20 - November 10 Etiquette for Young Ladies and Young Men ages 9 - 12    Class size is limited early registration is advised See what people are saying about our classes!

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING, ADULT WORKSHOPS AND CHILDREN'S CLASSES PLEASE CALL 480 510-6346 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.itsallaboutetiquette.com         SueAnn Brown  Phone: 480-510-6346

How to be the perfect host at your own birthday party!

Birthday Party Etiquette for Children

It's never too early to teach your child good manners and birthday parties make ideal etiquette classrooms. Guest Lists -  You don't have to feel obligated to invite all of the children in your child's classroom.  Involve your child in the planning...  simply ask them whom they would like to invite to their party.   You should, however be considerate of others' feelings.  Avoid handing out invitations at school.  It's better to send invitations in the mail or make a few phone calls. Discourage your child from talking about the party at school. RSVP -  It is okay to call parents if they don't respond to your invitation.  It will give you a chance to confirm the date and time, as well as any food allergies their child may have. Gracious Host -  A few weeks before the party, teach your child how to be a gracious host by emphasizing the importance of their guests' enjoyment.  Put them in charge of greeting their guests at the door and handing out favors as they depart.  Talk to them about sharing their toys and give them the chance to put away any special toys they simply can't share. Extra Guests - Occasionally parents will bring along a sibling or extra child who hasn't been invited. It's nice to have an extra treat or balloon on hand for the brother or sister who comes to pick up a party guest. To Open Gifts or Not to Open Gift -  For children under the age of five it's a good idea not to open gifts. When young children open gifts, they can unleash a flood of bad feelings. They may be reluctant to share their gifts or announce that they dislike (or already have) what's in the box. However, if you choose to open gifts, be sure to talk to your child beforehand what gifts represent - "the good wishes of the giver." Teach your child to say an enthusiastic "thank you" after opening every gift. Thank You Notes - This is always big on my list when I teach my etiquette courses. When a child writes a thank-you note, it teaches them to be considerate to others, shows gratitude, and improves their writing skills.  These notes need not be long and children that are pre-literate can sign their autograph or draw a picture as a way of sending thanks.  Birthday parties can be a very exciting time in a child's life and give them happy memories for many years to come!       We are enrolling now for our Summer Etiquette Camp for  ages 6 - 12 for June and July!   Please visit our website to register www.itsallaboutetiquette.com  or call 480 510 6346.

Parents, table manners just got easier!

Table Setting  Etiquette Placemat

Teach your kids table manners and the proper way to set the table with this beautiful instructional placemat! Our customized two-sided placemat will help teach table setting placement on one side and table manners on the other. 

Once a week select a table manner skill from the placemat and practice the skill for one week. Parent’s, your family members will love this training tool and the end results!

Product Description

When children learn to eat with good manners, they will be less likely to offend, and more likely to impress.  A great tool for schools and children ages of 4 and up.

Purchase one placemat for $15.00 or a set of four for $45.00 with FREE shipping!

To order please visit our website www.itsallaboutetiquette.com and click store or give us a call at 480 510-6346!

Summer Etiquette Camp Enrolling Now!

Are you looking for a GREAT Summer Camp?

Would you like your child to get helpful and fun-filled lessons in manners and proper etiquette? As much as you try teaching proper manners at home, sometimes children just need to learn these important lessons from another adult. Certified Etiquette Instructor, SueAnn Brown, owner of "It's All About Etiquette," will offer a four-day etiquette course for children ages 6 to 8 and 9-12. 

Attendees will learn social etiquette, self-confidence, and integrity with an emphasis on respect and value for others. Topics covered will include: self-introduction and introducing others, handshaking, eye contact and smiling, saying "please, thank you, you're welcome," making mistakes and apologizing, avoiding rude behavior, telephone etiquette, table skills and dining manners, grooming and posture, and more. A special graduation ceremony will be held on the final day of class.
Kid Friendly

For more information, please visit us at www.itsallaboutetiquette.com or call 480 510-6346

Teaching "Social Media Manners" to Your Teen

 

As parents we spend a great deal of time teaching our children manners: sharing with others, being respectful, saying "please" and "thank you." We want them to learn how to act in various social situation, so why not on-line, too? We have to face the fact that social media is not just a phase-it's is how pre-teens and teens communicate and bond with their peers. But it's also not just for teens. More and more adults are joining social media. There is a new set of manners for social media for everyone to follow. 1. Exercise the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you wouldn't speak to the person that way face to face, then don't do it on-line. 2. Remember everything you post on-line is public. It doesn't matter whether or not you delete the message or text. If you've published it, it's traceable. When you post things on-line, you're creating a cyber fingerprint that can be found for years to come. 3. DON'T USE ALL CAPS when you're emailing or posting something. It is a form of SHOUTING. 4. Speak kindly. Remember: it may look like a screen in front of you, but there's another person with feelings on the receiving end. 5. Don't post things when you're angry. It's never a good idea to post something when you're emotional. Take some time to clear your head before you deal with the situation. This will help you refrain from saying something that you later regret. 6. Use different usernames and passwords. Don't use the same one all the time. Many teens use the same username and password for all of their sites and this is not a good idea. If someone figures out your security information, they'll have access to everything. It's best to set-up different usernames and passwords for maximum protection. 7. Don't make up silly email addresses. You will use your email address for college applications, job applications, resumes, and scholarship opportunities. Look at your email address; Does it set a good impression? If not, reset it. 8. Don't post pictures of yourself or others unless you mind them being shared with everyone. Be very selective of what you upload on the computer.  If you can't send the picture to your Grandmother, you shouldn't be putting it on the internet. If it's a friend's photo, ask yourself if their parents would want that photo posted. If the answer's "no" then don't publish it. 9. Don't talk to strangers. Don't get into chat rooms and reveal confidential things about yourself. You may feel that you know the person on the other end of your cyber connection, but they can be a phony. 10. Don't give out personal and confidential information on-line. Never share your full name, home address, phone number, Social Security number, passwords, names of family members, or credit card numbers. Note to Parent.  One of the best ways you can teach social media manners is to practice them yourself. Our kids take their most important lessons not by what we tell them to do, but what they see US do. The social media manners they take to heart will be the ones taught by example. Let's be the role models they need.                                                          Upcoming Classes Enrolling Now!    March 24 & 25 Essential Etiquette for Teens ages 13 - 18   April 7 Everyday Etiquette for Adult A great workshop for business professionals!   May 19 & 20 Essential Etiquette for Teens ages 13 - 18 May 26 Business Etiquette Workshop for the Professional New Workshop June & July Summer Etiquette Camp for ages 6-8 & 9-12 September 1 Business Etiquette Workshop for the Professional   September 8 & 9 Essential Etiquette for Teens ages 13 - 18   September 15 - October 6 E Is For Etiquette ages 6-8   October 20 - November 10 Etiquette for Young Ladies and Young Men ages 9 - 12    Class size is limited early registration is advised.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR   BUSINESS ETIQUETTE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING, ADULT WORKSHOPS AND CHILDREN'S CLASSES PLEASE CALL 480 510-6346 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www:itsallaboutetiquette.com  See what people are saying about us on Yelp