notes

8 Valuable Lessons From "Manners Begin at Breakfast" by Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece

This is a valuable resource for parents who want to raise polite, well-mannered children. The book provides practical advice and tips that can be easily implemented in everyday life. They include: 

1. From "Because I Said So" to "Because it Matters": Shift the focus from blind obedience to understanding the "why" behind good manners. Open communication becomes key, allowing children to connect values like respect and kindness to concrete actions. Create a family value chart to translate these values into shared expectations, empowering children to make their own mindful choices.

2. Consistency, The Bedrock of Good Manners: Children learn best from observing adults. Gentle reminders and positive reinforcement, not nagging, create a supportive environment for learning. Establish routines and rituals around meals, greetings, and bedtime to naturally integrate polite behavior into children's lives.

3. Emotional Intelligence: The Secret Superpower: Help children identify and label their emotions, providing tools for constructive expression. Mindfulness exercises and empathy prompts like role-playing or exploring stories develop their emotional intelligence.

4. Cultivating Empathy: Kindness Starts at Home: Initiate family kindness challenges, volunteer together, and celebrate differences to foster understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

5. Global Awareness: Expanding Horizons Together: Explore different cultures through books, movies, or travel experiences. Consider language learning or exploring cultural greetings to expand their understanding of communication and social norms beyond their own. Discuss global issues and encourage children to consider how their actions impact others worldwide.

6. Natural consequences: Allow children to experience the natural consequences of their choices, both positive and negative. This provides valuable learning opportunities and reinforces responsible decision-making.

7. Age-Appropriate Etiquette: 

For Toddlers: Focus on basic table manners (using utensils, avoiding throwing food), introducing simple "please" and "thank you.," 

For Preschoolers: Expand on table manners, teach basic greetings and responses, and introduce concepts like sharing and taking turns. Address early tantrums with empathy and guidance on expressing emotions respectfully. 

For School-aged children: Encourage polite conversation at meals, introduce proper napkin use, and discuss responsible social media behavior. 

For Teens: Promote responsible digital citizenship, discuss fashion choices considering context and respect, and guide them in navigating social settings with confidence and kindness.

8. Empowering Choices: From Rules to Responsible Individuals: Create safe spaces for open discussions, allowing children to voice their thoughts and navigate social situations with guidance.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/3HIMUCG

FollowMannie M. Amara

#raymondikpawona

#viralreels

#viralreelsfb

#viiralpost

#viralshorts

#viralpage

#viralfb

#booklover

#books

#poetrylovers