Homemakers are taught how to treat people well.
Our daughters’ behavior towards other people will directly affect the quality of their homes. I believe that if my husband and I build a home in which we love each other well and practice hospitality, our children will be much more likely to grow up like Daniel and Jesus: in favor with God and man. I also believe that it is our responsibility to teach our daughters how to treat people well, step-by-step.
So this is when we dust off an old yet lovely word: etiquette.
More than the proper placement of silverware at the dining table, etiquette informs us of tried-and-true demonstrations of respect for other people. I’ve learned a great deal from Nancy Campbell’s 7 etiquette posters; they’ve helped me to evaluate the way in which we welcome each other, friends, and strangers into our lives and home. (For example, from the Table Etiquette poster: “Do not have private conversations at the table. It is a place for shared communication” and from the Speech Etiquette poster: “Do not speak with your hands in your pockets.”)
I’ve designed a one-page “Etiquette for Little Ones at Home” poster that helps to keep us focused on the handful of behaviors that are important to us right now: these are important in shaping our lives to love, respect, and welcome one another. Of course, not all of these are straight out of Scripture, but each one holds the values of Scripture in its core.
* Say “Good-morning” and “Good-night” to everyone in the house.
* Greet our guests at the door with a smile and “hello!”
* Say “Good-bye” to our guests and help them out the door.
* Remember your manners: “please” and “thank-you”.
* Stay seated at the table until you are excused.
* If an adult drops something, pick it up quickly!
* Protect children – especially babies – who are younger than you.
* When you are eating a snack, offer some to the people near you.
* When people speak to you, look in their eyes and respond kindly.
*When daddy or mommy asks you to do something, say, “Yes,
dad!” or “Yes, mom!” and do it right away.
Click here if you would you like a refrigerator-ready PDF of your own: etiquetteforlittleones
