One of the parents interviewed by a journalist before a recent Mimi's Manners class said that she was concerned that proper etiquette skills were becoming extinct, especially among children. That was why she had signed up her three children for my class. (View the complete story from the Florida Times Union here.) I created Mimi's Manners more … [Read more...] about Keeping Manners From Becoming Extinct
Boston Globe-trotter likes Mimi’s Manners
Travel writer Paul Kandarian recently posted a very nice story about Mimi's Manners in the Boston Globe. I had the pleasure of meeting Paul during his visit to Sarasota. He was a hoot and even though he claims he has terrible manners, I found him to be quite the gentlemen. The topic of manners did come up during a group breakfast and I quickly … [Read more...] about Boston Globe-trotter likes Mimi’s Manners
Mother’s Day Gift Idea
Flowers? Candy? Breakfast in bed? These are all great ideas, but have you ever thought about giving the gift of manners for kids this Mother's Day? I know plenty of mothers (and grandmothers) who would love for their kids to learn (and continue to practice) good manners. I teach classes where children will learn the basics of good manners, … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Gift Idea
Practice. Practice. Practice.
It's true with sports, hobbies and anything else we'd like to improve in our lives: We get better with practice. During my classes, we discuss our favorite pastimes: tennis, baseball, ballet, art, etc. It's fun to learn about their interests and watch their faces light up as they talk about the things they love: horseback riding, hockey, … [Read more...] about Practice. Practice. Practice.
All Smiles at Mimi’s Manners
These young ladies learned that manners can be fun during a recent class at the Edison & Ford Winter Estate. While they learned new skills and practiced dining etiquette, they met new friends and discovered that learning manners can be a lot of fun. Throughout the class the children practice holding the silverware properly, chewing with … [Read more...] about All Smiles at Mimi’s Manners
Dessert Spoon and Fork??!
Children at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota recently were baffled by having a fork and a spoon for their molten chocolate cake dessert. One of the children asked, "Why does a place setting sometimes have both a fork and a spoon presented?" Adults often ask the same question. The two utensils can be used to assist with eating the dessert and should be … [Read more...] about Dessert Spoon and Fork??!
Sarasota Ritz-Carlton Offers Mimi’s Manners March 12
"Season" in Sarasota isn't just for the social set at big fundraising events around town. Children have their own set of birthday parties, social gatherings and family events that call for good manners. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is offering a one-night class to help the young socialites improve their manners. Mimi's Manners class will be offered … [Read more...] about Sarasota Ritz-Carlton Offers Mimi’s Manners March 12
Time for Tea (and Manners) at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
Children at LaPlaya Beach Resort learned the importance of good manners, handshakes and afternoon tea during a recent Saturday afternoon class. Everyone agreed that having friends is important--and no one wants to be friends with someone who is mean, rude and has no manners. Shaking hands (web-to-web style) was taught and practiced--along with … [Read more...] about Time for Tea (and Manners) at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
New York Times Article Says Manners are a Parenting “Basic”
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. … [Read more...] about New York Times Article Says Manners are a Parenting “Basic”
Manners Matter to Former Presidents & Mr. Edison
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 … [Read more...] about Manners Matter to Former Presidents & Mr. Edison