With the holiday season upon us, gatherings, celebrations and family dinners provide the perfect opportunities for children to practice manners and etiquette. Stepping Stone School’s Future Strong™ approach integrates manners and etiquette lessons through the Proud to Be Polite™ program. These lessons are embedded into daily classroom routines, encouraging children to demonstrate respect, kindness and consideration in age-appropriate ways. Here are some simple and effective ways to reinforce these lessons at home, especially during the holidays.

1. Model Etiquette in Everyday Situations

Children imitate the behavior of those around them, especially parents and caregivers. Modeling polite language such as “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” in everyday interactions will demonstrate to children how to communicate respectfully. During holiday activities, try to make a point to express gratitude and kindness toward others. These moments are excellent teaching examples and can help children understand the importance of manners in real-life situations.

2. Embrace Holiday Traditions as Teaching Moments

Many holiday traditions can serve as etiquette lessons. For example, setting the table for a festive meal can be a chance to teach children the basics of proper table settings, as well as how to use utensils politely and maintain a tidy eating area. The Proud to Be Polite™ program encourages children to engage in manners and etiquette at school, learning to place a napkin on their lap, wait their turn, and practice polite conversation. You can create a similar experience at home by hosting a “ restaurant” where children can practice these skills.

3. Teach Gratitude with Gift-Giving and Receiving

The holidays often involve exchanging gifts, which provides an opportunity to teach gratitude and politeness. Encourage children to say “thank you” after receiving gifts and to show appreciation by writing a thank-you note or making a small token of appreciation for the gift giver. When your child gives a gift, reinforce that showing kindness and joy for others is just as meaningful as receiving.

4. Focus on Polite Greetings and Introductions

The Proud to Be Polite™ program includes teaching children how to greet people politely with a friendly “hello” and make eye contact. During holiday gatherings, encourage your child to introduce themselves to family members or friends. Teaching children to greet others warmly can help them feel comfortable in social situations while building confidence and showing respect for others.

5. Encourage Sharing and Taking Turns

Holiday gatherings often bring excitement, toys and special treats! You can reinforce the Proud to Be Polite™ lesson of sharing by encouraging children to take turns with toys or help serve a snack to others. These small acts of kindness show respect and consideration.

6. Praise and Reinforce Positive Behavior

Recognizing polite behavior encourages children to continue practicing it. When children say “please” or “thank you” without prompting or sharing willingly, try to give them specific praise. Saying things like, “I noticed how patiently you waited your turn—that was very thoughtful!” Positive reinforcement is a key element of the Proud to Be Polite™ program and can help children feel proud of their polite choices and eager to make them again.

7. Engage in Etiquette-Themed Play

Role-playing games are a fun way to reinforce etiquette. You might play “Fancy Restaurant,” where everyone dresses up, practices polite conversation, and follows proper table manners. This makes learning manners memorable. You can also play games, where children take turns pretending to welcome guests, offer snacks and engage in friendly conversation.

Supporting Your Child’s Journey with Proud to Be Polite™

At Stepping Stone School, we believe that manners and etiquette contribute significantly to a child’s social and emotional well-being. Through the Future Strong™ approach and the Proud to Be Polite™ program, we help children develop the tools to build positive, respectful relationships and become considerate, confident individuals. By practicing these skills at home, you can help reinforce what children are learning at school and create lifelong habits benefitting them in many aspects of life!