Thanksgiving Etiquette for Children & Teens

Help your kids be on their best behavior this Thanksgiving with my simple etiquette refresher.

Dress the Part

It’s not just another weeknight dinner; Thanksgiving is one of the most special meals of the year. Whether you're at home or at someone else's house, you're probably using their most beautiful linens and china, and sitting before a gorgeous meal.  So your appearance should honor that.  The kids should be showered, their hair done neatly, nails shortened and clothes nicely put together.

Bring a Hostess Gift

Your host likely put in a lot of time preparing the meal, and now they are opening up their home to you and your family. But rather than buying a hostess gift yourself, take the kids to the store with you.  Show them the importance of a token of appreciation; let them help pick out the gift and help to wrap it.   A good rule of thumb is to go the extra mile and make the kids responsible for actually giving the gift. Put a little gift bag, batch of homemade cookies or plant into each set of hands. That's the way you go to someone's home.

Use Your Best Table Manners

By the time kids are 6, they should have basic table manners down pat. But if they need one, give a refresher course, ideally at home the week before the holiday. Sit up straight; napkins in laps; help pass food; wait until everyone is served; use the correct utensils; no texting or video games -- and use napkins properly. Kids should know that linens are not used for sopping up spills. Yes, they are there just in case, but we are trying to keep the linens clean.

Be a Respectful Conversationalist

There are certain things kids should absolutely not say at the table. This turkey is so dry!  Or, even worse, "I remember when my mom made the grossest thing.  If they don't like something on their plate, they should quietly leave it there -- without announcing their dislike. There are a few things they should say, however: "Thank you." "Please pass the green beans." "May I please be excused?" "This tastes great!" and "Can I help clean up?"

Send a Thank You Note

After the whole thing is over and you're back at home, get out some stationary and write up a thank you note. "Something in the kids' handwriting -- even if the child is four -- is so nice to receive. You could also simply have them sign the card, or draw a picture. Grandparents and older relatives often still expect that kind of thing. And it's our job to keep those traditions alive.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings,

Deborah A. Aboud

Owner/ Etiquette with Deborah

Certified Children & Teen Etiquette Trainer

603-275-5681

Deborah@etiquettewithdeborah.com

www.etiquettewithdeborah.com

Teaching the Ordinary to Extraordinary!