Manners: Ages 6-11
Social Graces
The grade-school years bring more friend visits and sleepovers – potential manners minefields, since kids will be away from parents’ watchful eyes. Teaching children to be a respectful guest in friends’ homes can ramp up confidence at a time when children are developing a social identity (and increase the odds of receiving a repeat invitation).
Before the play date, remind children that being a guest means respecting the household rules of their host. If the host family removes their shoes at the door or doesn’t allow snacking in bedrooms, a guest should comply. To show respect, ask children to address their friend’s parents as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” unless directed by the parents to do otherwise. And always follow up a sleepover or a special play date with a personal thank-you note from the child.
