A story in the New York Times (January 12, 2009) discusses the importance of manners and how it is the responsibility of parents to instill good manners in their children.

The author of the article, PERRI KLASS, M.D. enlisted the expertise from Judith Martin and her book: “Miss Manners’ Guide to Rearing Perfect Children,”

Ms. Martin is quoted as saying:  “Every infant is born adorable but selfish and the center of the universe. It’s a parent’s job to teach that “there are other people, and other people have feelings.”

Ms. Martin has a great point. People do have feelings. Manners help guide us through life and teach us how to behave in the best way so we don’t hurt others feelings. During "Mimi’s Manners" classes, I help instill good manners in children through discussions, examples and real-life situations. Children agree that it’s not right to hurt other people’s feelings and during the class we discuss ways to "treat people the way we want to be treated."

The article takes a medical approach to children’s behavior. I found it very interesting.

To view the complete article, please click here.

Students at Mimi & Mina’s Etiquette class would have made Mr. Edison proud. As they learned good dining skills during the three-course meal,they learned about former US Presidents who had visited and dined at the Edison Estate. They all agreed that good manners are important if they’re ever going to visit the White House. All students graduated (certificates picture above) and agreed that they’d like to attend future classes (and dine at the White House someday!)

Just in time for the holiday season, children of the members of The Ritz-Carlton Members Club participated in manners classes. They learned a lot about dining etiquette which will come in handy during their many meals at the various dining opportunities they have as members of the prestigious Ritz-Carlton.

Alex, a 10-year-old participant, was most appreciative of the lessons she learned and couldn’t wait to share her new skills with her family at their upcoming Thanksgiving celebration.

All the students graduated from the class (the parents were very proud) and all students received a certificate of completion.