Columbus Etiquette Trainer offers Five Tips to Teach Manners to Teens during the holidays

Dec. 8, 2008 - PRLog -- (Columbus, OH)—Columbus Etiquette Trainer Dorothy Duncan has released five tips to help teach and reinforce good manners for Teens during the holidays.

Duncan, owner of U-R-VALUED, said, “Good Manners and proper etiquette should be taught everyday because daily practice and positive reinforcement will prepare teens for holidays, special occasions or events.”  

Five tips to help teach and reinforce good manners for teens during the holidays include:

Guest Arrival—Ask your teen to be the official greeter if you are hosting the holiday festivities.  A younger child can learn how to greet by accompanying an adult or teen. The greeter responsibility include welcoming the guests, taking coats, hats and making guests feel comfortable.  

Here your young man or lady can shine by making the proper introductions if needed; “Ms. Betty, this is my Uncle Joe from Detroit.” There are other pleasantries that this responsibility demands; e.g. “May I get you something to drink?”  

A teen or responsible younger child could be the host for those who are the same age or younger.  Again making introductions if necessary, leading guests to designated area if one has been assigned and thanking guests for coming.

Use Correct Titles—All children and teens should learn how to address adults by their proper title.  For example; “Mrs.” or “Ms”, “Mr.” “Dr.” or “Rev”, never introduce an adult by using his/her first name, unless permission has been given to do so.  

Electronic Gadgets—Remind  teens and/or children about the use of electronic gadgets when they have guests; talking on the cell phone, texting, listening to the IPod, MP3 player in the presence of guests is rude and show a lack of interest.  These activities should not be allowed while dining.  Discuss this with your  teens or children beforehand.

Serve Guests, the Elderly and Young First--- Honor your guests by serving them first.  The elderly and younger children may need assistance.  Your teen can help by asking if they can assist; “Ms. White, may, I fix a plate for you?” or “Ms. White is there something I can get for you?”

Write “Thank You” notes— Instruct your teen to write a “thank you” note for any gift(s) they receive; whether it is given by grandma, granddad, a friend of the family or  whether they perceive the gift as useful or not. Though a gift may not be exactly what was wanted,  teens should learn to say “thank you”.  Close friends and relatives are often taken for granted; they need to know that they are appreciated too.  

It is not necessary to write a long note.  "Dear Grandma, Thank you so much for the $20.  I'm saving it to buy a pair of jeans.  Your grandson, Brian"   The recipient of the note will be pleasantly surprised and thankful.

For more information, contact Dorothy Duncan at www.urvalued.com or 614.818.3010.

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U--R-VALUED offers personal image, etiquette and manners workshops, classes and individual sessions for children, teens and adults. Sessions are designed to empower and develop skills necessary to promote personal and professional success.