Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2019 | Page 12

Family LIFE Etiquette: BY TRUDY SNAITH E The Modern Parent’s Guide tiquette, is defined as a code of behavior outlining expectations for social behavior according to con- ventional norms in a society, social class, or group. If the outcome of one’s actions doesn’t matter, then paying attention to ‘niceties’ doesn’t matter either. Etiquette is necessary because it’s a way to ‘hedge your bets’ to get the best results when dealing with people. Other benefits of using etiquette are that more can be accomplished and it makes getting along with people easier. Most children are introduced to me at 7 years old. By that age they can understand basic etiquette rules and more importantly, are keen to learn how Registered Dietitians providing Medical Nutrition Therapy IN ISLAND NUTRITION Prevent and manage medical issues IN ISLAND NUTRITION Paediatrics: including Poor growth, Behavioural issues, Overweight, Constipation, Allergies, Tube feeding, Weaning IN ISLAND NUTRITION Adults: including GI, Cardiovascular, Kidney disease, Inflammation, Obesity, Cancer, Wound healing, Pregnancy, Elderly IN ISLAND NUTRITION Improving access to High Quality Nutritional Care 4th Floor Dallas Building, 7 Victoria St Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.islandnutrition.bm Convenient locations including in-office and home visits IN ISLAND NUTRITION Ask your healthcare provider for a referral or contact our office IN ISLAND NUTRITION Covered in full by insurance - No copays IN ISLAND NUTRITION We carry a large supply of party decorations and supplies for your special occasion 63 SOUTH ROAD - DEVONSHIRE DV 08 Please Pre-Order Balloons 10 BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE they can use those rules to influence people. They like the thought of being able to predict what someone is going to do based on something they are doing. Etiquette education is an impor- tant life lesson and should begin well before a child is 7. Parents are perfectly positioned to fill that role. I can tell you from experience that time invested in young people always pays off and is never regretted. These three principles offer early learning opportunities to begin etiquette education in the home. Respect: Awareness and acknowledgement of another person’s worth and value as a human being. Children should be taught that when someone is speaking, that person should be given their undivided attention with no interruptions. Young people are full of energy and in their excitement often forget this rule - parents will need to persist. As a teaching moment, that also means when it is the child’s turn to speak, we should extend the same courtesy and allow them to finish what they are saying. Listening to someone tells them you are interested and value what they are saying. You hear much more if you don’t keep interrupting to get your point across. Long term benefits are that the child develops patience, and as an adult, will have a presence that inspires confidence.