52 Modern Manners for Kids

Book Synopsis: 52 Modern Manners for Today's Kids is the perfect guide to help parents proactively and positively teach their kids what to do in difficult, sticky, or emotional situations. These manners give families opportunities to connect with common language, ways to practice, and the why behind each manner. Presented in an innovative stand-up flip book, the practical tips help children gain self-awareness and create habits that will set them up for meaningful relationships and polite interactions. This book is ideal for kids ages 4-12 and is a fun, interactive way to deliberately teach the more nuanced yet important manners our fast-paced society often forgets.

A prequel to the best-selling series 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens, this book allows families to start the manners journey early and continue it through the teen years. A few favorites:

• Wait for your turn to talk. When you have something to say, it's hard to wait, but unless it is an emergency, interrupting is not polite. When there's a break in conversation, then you can start talking. If something is very important, kindly say, "Excuse me..." This shows respect, and it makes people more willing to listen to you. Some families create a special signal for kids to use when they need to get a busy adult's attention. This might work well for you.
• Let's Practice! Role play or talk about these storylines:
• You are at the park and your mom is talking to another mom. You can't remember when your brother's birthday is and want to know. What should you do?
• You are at home and your mom is talking to your dad. You are getting ready for your soccer game and need to know what color of uniform to change into so you can be ready on time. What should you do?
• Your friend is telling you a story about their cat, but while they are talking, you remember something funny to share about your dog. What should you do?
• You are playing outside and your mom is talking with your neighbor. You just saw your sister fall off her bike and she's hurt. Your mom didn't see it. What should you do?
• Know the difference between telling and tattling

It can be hard to know when you need to tell a teacher or adult about something important and when it's just tattling. Before you decide to tell an adult think about why you are doing it:

• Is it something that makes you or someone feel scared or unsafe?
• Is it something that might hurt a person or property?

If so, it's important to share it honestly with an adult.

Is it something small, but you want to get someone in trouble?

Are you trying to make yourself look better than other people by bringing them down?

If so, you can ignore it, or talk to the person yourself. If that person isn't willing to work things out, then you can ask an adult for help.

• Let's practice!
• You see someone hurting someone else at recess. What should you do?
• A kid in your class is going faster on the assignment than the teacher said he could. What should you do?
• Your little brother keeps moving the crayons closer to him when you are both trying to color. What should you do?
• There is a girl in your class who keeps saying unkind things to you even when you've asked her to stop. What should you do?

This book is such an excellent way to teach and connect!