Grooming Graceful Children For Festive Season

Here are a few tips in preparation for an enjoyable time. Do talk about the importance of good manners and practices at least two weeks prior to the visits. Recognition and praise for good behaviour after each visit will help further in instilling the habit of being gracious.

Helpful Tips:

1. Bring a gift or flowers when you go visiting. For a do it yourself food hamper, ask your children for some ideas.

2.  Remind your kids to greet everyone present at your host's home, particularly elders. Generally a handshake and greeting wishes will suffice but if your host is a Malay, the proper way would be to cup the elder's hand with your two hands and as you release the grasp, bring your hands to your heart.

3.  When your kids are offered food or money, remind them to accept it with both hands and a word of thank you. You may wish to ask your child if she would like you to safeguard the ang pow for her while she plays. This will also help the eager child to avoid ripping open the packet.

4.  Remind your children to ask for permission to touch or pay with the host's children's toys. Respect the toy's owner's decesion if she/he does not want to share. Before you leave, have your children help to put the toy's away. If you are the host, encourage your children to share their toys and put away those,which are easily broken.

5. When your children play while you chat, gently remind them to lower their voices and say,"Excuse Me" if they need to interrupt your conversation.

6.  It's also important to explain to your children that opening drawers or wardrobe's is a no-no. Same goes for standing or jumping on the sofa and bed.

7.  If you are the host, encourage your children to help serve the guests drinks and food with both hands.

8.When it's time to leave, have yor children say theirgood bye's to all present and thank the host for a lovely time. If you are not the host, do have your children at the door to send your guest off.