Cultivating

A garden needs to be cultivated to look nice and it will also help it to give more fruit. I was sent this list of manners by an elder friend of mine. I think it is very fitting for use in our gardens. An idea is to read over them now and try to work on them by gently reminding the children as times come up. I also like the thought of picking one out to work especially hard on each week and then adding new ones in a little at a time along the way.


Manners are something we really are lacking in this age of time. They seem to be something of the past. Why don't we try to bring them back. It makes a huge difference on if you can talk to someone about the Lord. When my children use good manners while we are out it opens the door for me to tell others about Jesus. The boys have learned this and it gives them a since of being responsible for others souls by the way they act. The bible does say...

Proverbs 20:11  "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."

Manners

1.  Courteous Words
     •  Please
     •  Thank you
     •  You’re Welcome
     •  Excuse Me
     •  Nice to Meet You
     •  May I?
     •  I’m Sorry.  Please Forgive Me.

        Yes Mr. / Mrs./Ms. (their name) instead of Yes and No to an adult

2.  Table Manners

 •  Come to the table promptly when called, with clean hands and face.

 •  Put your napkin on your lap.

 •  Wait to start eating until after the prayer is said and the hostess (Mom) begins eating.

 •  Stay seated, and sit up straight without leaning on the table.

 •  Chew with your mouth closed, and don’t talk with food in your mouth.

 •  Don’t make negative comments about the food, but do thank whoever prepared the meal.

 •  Say, “Please pass the ____,” instead of reaching.

 •  Visit with everyone at the table.

 •  Don’t make rude noises, like burping or slurping; say, “Excuse me,” if the noise was accidental.

 •  Ask to be excused before leaving the table, and then offer to help clear the dishes.

3.  Kindness and Respect for Others

 •  Remember “Politeness is to do and say the kindest thing in the kindest way.”

 •  Be kind to all – family first – and especially look out for those younger or weaker than yourself.

 •  Take turns; don’t take the best and biggest of anything for yourself.

 •  If you bump into someone or walk in front of them, say, “Excuse me, please.”

4.  Conversations

 •  Don’t interrupt a conversation, or someone who is speaking to you.

 •  Look at the person who is speaking to you, or to whom you are speaking.

 •  Listen carefully and show interest by asking questions and making comments.

 •  When you speak, do so clearly and loudly enough (don’t mumble).

5.  Meeting and Greeting

 •  When you meet people, look directly at them, smile, and say, “Hello.”

 •  Learn how to shake hands and greet a person by name.

6.  Thank-you Notes

 •  For gifts, meals, and parties, send a written thank-you note.

7.  Telephone Manners

Consideration for safety as well as manners will affect your rules for the use of the telephone.

 •  Don’t allow a child to answer your telephone until he has learned and practiced (in role-playing) all your telephone rules.

 •  Home School Legal Defense Association recommends that you do not allow your children to answer the telephone during school hours.

 •  Teach your child not to give out any personal information to callers.

 •  Teach your child how to call 911 and give your address only in a real emergency.

 •  Turn down background noise before answering the phone.

 •  Speak clearly and identify yourself if the caller is someone you know.

 •  Ask, “Who’s calling, please?” if the caller does not identify himself.

 •  Say only, “She is not available at the moment” (not specifically where she is and what she is doing).

 •  When taking a message, include who it is for, who it is from, and a phone number (keep pens and paper by the phone).

 •  Say, “One moment, please,” and go get the person wanted (don't yell).

 These are not all the manners there is to learn, but it is a good start. If you are interested in teaching more manners to your children I recommend the book  George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation . I try to read it to the children once a year. It is very small and only has 30 pages.