Manners Matter: Making Etiquette Fun for Kids & Families

My guest BLOGGER in August is Chrislene Terilus, founder of Brave Bold Living. She and her Team help families and kids build character early through creative, age-appropriate etiquette lessons that are fun, empowering and realistic. You can reach Chrislene at chrisleneterilus@terilco.com.

Tired of eye rolls, screen time silence, and one-word answers from your kids? This BLOG is your secret weapon to turning chaos into connection - using manners!

Etiquette can sound stiff and outdated. But the truth is that manners are essential life skills. They help kids thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. From making friends and handling school presentations to attending events or family dinners, etiquette builds confidence that carries through life.

Even better, teaching etiquette can be fun. With a little structure and a lot of heart, families can create a culture of kindness and confidence right at home. Etiquette isn't about being fancy, it's about being thoughtful. When kids learn it early, they gain:
*Respect & Empathy: Valuing other people's space, feelings, and perspective
*Strong Communication: Speaking clearly, listening actively, and using positive body language
*Confidence in Social Settings: From birthday parties to dinner tables to school presentations
*Better Behavior: Because when kids understand expectations, they're more likely to meet them
*Stronger Family Bonds: Shared values and small habits lead to more connections at home

Last week, I watched a 7 year old hold the door open for a stranger, then proudly say, "That's just what we do in our house." That's the power of etiquette - it becomes a part of who they are.

Here are 5 easy ways to bring etiquette into your everyday rhythm:
1. The Compliment Challenge: At dinner, everyone shares a specific compliment with someone else. It teaches gratitude, boosts confidence, and sets a positive tone.
2. Napkin Ninjas & Table Manners Time: Assign points for polite behaviors like using napkins, saying "please", sitting up straight, chewing with mouths closed. The one with the most points picks dessert!
3. Manners on the Move: Greet the cashier, hold the door, say "thank you" with eye contact. Then celebrate when your child remembers to do it on their own!
4. Dinner Theater Role-Play Fun: Act out a dinner party, restaurant, or formal event. Teach kids how to set the table, pass food, speak politely, and even practice proper posture.
5. The Phone-Free Pledge: Pick one screen-free meal per day and connect using conversation cards or family prompts like "If you could visit any country, where would you go?" or "What's one kind thing someone did for you today?"

Children don't just learn manners. They absorb them by watching us. When we model patience, kindness, and respect, they naturally pick up on those values. If we want to raise leaders, we have to start by raising listeners. That's why etiquette coaching at Brave Bold Living isn't about perfection, it's about practicing intention, one small habit at a time.