Bad Gifts & Good Manners

Have you ever received a gift from someone that you were sure was meant for someone else? I remember receiving a Cabbage Patch Kids doll from my grandparents when I was a teenager in high school. I had barely opened the gift when I told them that I thought they had mistakenly given me a gift meant for my cousin. Little did I know, but I was the one who made the mistake. My grandmother had been shopping for my younger cousins at a toy store when she came across a doll that had my same first and middle name. She so sweetly bought that doll for me because of that.  If I could go back in time, I would change my immediate reaction. I ended up loving the gift but was too quick to judge and ended up being rude to my grandparents.

We need to prepare our children for a similar situation. Fortunately for me, I loved my gift in the end. But what happens when our children receive a gift that is strange to them or that they don’t like? Teach your children to find one positive thing about the gift and thank the gift giver. It’s that simple. It may take some practice. Make a game out of it and give your child random things from around your house. Have them tell you one positive statement followed by a thank you. They’ll be manners ready in no time!

For more manners tips, please visit www.northatlantaetiquette.com.