Summer is a great time to do an inventory of the manners we need to work on with our children, including our teens! Today I am so excited to have Jackie Dudley of Columbus Junior Cotillion sharing the manners that teen boys should master before they leave the home for good. 

What is the definition of the word manners? The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word manners as the ways of behaving toward people, especially ways that are socially correct and show respect for their comfort and their feelings.

Continue reading Manners for Today’s Teen Boys at Do Say Give.

I’ve been asked many times: what manners should I be teaching my children? I am starting with boys’ manners today. Now I know I don’t have boys, but I am married to a man who was raised right so I have gleaned a lot from him. I also consulted my sister, who has three boys, as well as a few boy mom friends!

My feeling on manners – as I’ve written before – is that they are not about pomp and circumstance, but really a way to put others first.

Continue reading Manners to Teach Young Boys at Do Say Give.

 
I have loved reading the emails in response to our children’s manners series this summer. I’m so glad it has been encouraging and helpful to mothers trying to raise gracious and well-mannered children. The series continues today with the habits that help cultivate sincere gratitude in children. 
 
Five things come to mind when thinking about raising children who are appreciative of those around them. This comes from my own experience as well as watching wise mothers in my community.

Continue reading Children’s Manners Series: Cultivating Gratitude at Do Say Give.

Can we all agree that there is nothing more cringe-inducing than a teen that won’t look up from his or her phone or video game to speak to an adult? Today is our third installment in our Children’s Manners series, where we are learning to instill gracious habits in our young children so that they will grow up to be gracious adults. Today I am sharing the manners my husband and I expect of our children when it comes to respecting elders – and why we expect them!

Continue reading Children’s Manners Series: The Importance of Respecting Elders at Do Say Give.