Dear Consima Friends,
It’s amazing that we have actually made it to the middle of the year together! Thank you for staying connected to CONSIMA Protocol and Finishing School through our Newsletters and a huge, sincere welcome to all of you just joining us. As we navigate through the months ahead, we continue to look at the practice of good etiquette or lack of it simply by watching the world around us.
Soon schools will break for long summer holidays and if you are a busy parent like me, you will inevitably hear the word bored sooner or later. Teenagers in particular seem to have made those words their favorite phrase, in spite of their PlayStation 3, iPods, BlackBerrys and Nintendo Wii. It is only natural, therefore, that we should turn the spotlight on Teenage Etiquette in this edition and pass on our cultural values and standards under the magnifying lens. Whether we are parents or not we all know teenagers. They may be our nephews, nieces, Neighbours or friends. Have you taken a closer look lately and observed their attitudes and trends?
Talking of trends, I often wonder how they originate and am quite fascinated to see them spread like wildfire across the entire globe! One of the trends I personally abhor most is sagging. How someone somewhere decided that it was cool to imitate prisoners is beyond me! Parents hardly have enough time to spend quality time with their offspring anymore. Indeed, the art of conversation between parents and their children is in serious danger of becoming extinct. Nevertheless, good manners are always appreciated.
We are quick to criticize a sullen, sulking, nonchalant teenage son or daughter of an acquaintance, but how many of us actually take the time to teach good manners these days? Below are seven tips to guide a teenager onto the solid path of social niceties:
- The very first thing is to get him/her to practice a sincere smile when greeting. In formal settings, a teen is required to stand when an older person enters or leaves the room.
- Should you notice inappropriate behavior in a teen towards another person, urge an apology.
- Practice social etiquette within the family. Insist on table manners and encourage him/her to be helpful and to clean up after him/herself.
- Teach your teen the value of appreciation. Sending thank-you notes for gifts and attention by family members, etc.
- Demonstrate good telephone etiquette and encourage your teen to practice the same.
- Remind your teen of the long-term consequences of etiquette or lack of it.
- Good manners certainly draw positive attention and may win recognition or Favours. Poor manners, on the other hand, result in a negative image. Today’s practiced etiquette may be tomorrow’s job offers or a healthy relationship.
Consima Protocol and Finishing School will be hosting Teen Etiquette Courses every Saturday in July 2011. For registration and inquiries, please visit us at www.consimafinishing.com Touch a teen live positively this vacation, and who knows, we might just be starting a new trend!
We would love to have your feedback and referrals. See you next month!