How to Teach Kids to Stand Up for Themselves: She Knows is an online resources which provides us with resources about parenting and relationships. Recently, we were contacted by a contributing writer about our thoughts on helping parents to guide their kids on how to stand up for themselves.
At Manners To Go, we are big believers in teaching children to have opinions, to think for themselves and stand up for their beliefs. As adults, we understand that when we express our opinions or stand up for ourselves, it is all in the delivery. Our children need to be taught this behavior…to respect others in the midst of standing up for their beliefs.
Of course, the family meal is a prime opportunity for these discussions and teachable moments. We always encourage the family meal as a time to teach your child how to hold your fork correctly but also a time to learn conversation skills and your values. The kitchen table is a safe space to practice. Asking questions such as “what do you think” or “why is this important to you” helps them to define their beliefs and options.
Teach Children How to Express Themselves Without Being Rude
Respect: During these teachable moments and conversations on popular topics at hand, have the discussion about delivery…in a respectful manner. Teach them to take a deep breath before responding, make eye contact, respectful body language and most importantly, watch their tone of voice. Teach your child that it’s OK to have an opinion as long as you are delivering your message in a clear, direct way.
As our children live in the ever expanding social media world, now more than ever they need to see you and experience you modeling respect behavior in everyday life.
Step in When Necessary: If you see that your child is becoming angry and your grandmother is becoming uncomfortable, step in and intervene. You can assist them by saying “this is what I think you’re trying to say”. Next, show them how to say it in a tone that shows respect and is polite. Don’t embarrass your child in the situation but you do want to calm them down. If the adults are strangers or acquaintances, you can wait until later to handle it.
When addressing the situation, emphasize that you want them to have an opinion, but how they express their opinion is important.
Apologizing: If your child’s behavior is out of line, meaning if they are yelling and being impolite, then an apology is necessary. When your child is stating an opinion that might differ from those involved in the conversation, then an apology is not always necessary.
How do you teach you children how to stand up for themselves? We would love for you to share your tips.
Most likely we already share something in common. We believe that teaching children manners, character and social emotional skills are very important.
Manners To Go™ is a full-service company for those choosing to teach manners to children. You can make a difference. All children and teenagers deserve to feel what it is like to be confident, and use good manners out in the world.
Manners To Go™ is taught in public, private and charter schools around the world. The New York Times, Parents Magazine and Fox News have all featured Manners To Go and the many benefits of teaching social skills to children.
Whether you are an educator who wants to teach it in the classroom or someone who is looking to become trained and certified, we provide all the solutions.
My name is Lisa Richey, and I am the founder of Manners To Go™ . This brand has given me the honor of teaching manners to thousands of people around the world. The journey has taken me from Portland, Oregon to the Middle East. I believe that manners are not about judgment or rules. Manners are about self-interest. It really is about how using good manners makes you feel on the inside.
The Manners To Go™ Certification Training Program Will Teach You How to Launch a Successful Business Helping Children Create Brighter Futures for Themselves
We have two training options for you to become certified to teach manners to children.
Within five minutes of watching this interview (video of interview is included below), a mother called us to express concern that her son, a teenager, needed help conversing with adults. This is a phone call we receive all too often. Are you ready to join this national movement, a “Truth Campaign” to raise and start a public conversation about how “tech addiction” is effecting our society, our culture? Silicon Valley Insiders are teaming up to fight “tech addiction”.
Another aha moment that we as a society have a “tech addiction”, is when a parent comments that their child (or adult child) never calls and only will send a text when communicating. What is wrong with connecting in person or making a voice call? Are we really that busy?
Truth About Tech Addiction
Fifty percent of teenagers and adults admit they are addicted to their devices. Many of us check our devices every hour. Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat along with other social media platforms are designed to keep us hooked. Keep in mind – Facebook is a 40 billion dollar a year advertising company! Facebook wants us to stay on their platform as long as possible.
Your Children Are Watching You
Let’s get to the point. Parents, your children are watching you. How much time are you spending with your phone? Is it placed on your kitchen or dining room table during breakfast, lunch and dinner? Is it close by, in your lap (not a good idea)? How often are you giving your child the gift of being fully present? Are they observing you being fully present with other adults or spouses?
Tips and Resources to Assist You
This is a short list! Parents, change they way you are parenting with your devices. Clearly outline your expectations at home. When are your children allowed to have their devices? Are they allowed to use their phone or have them on the table during family meals? Is the TV on while your are having a family discussion? Do you have them turn off their phones one or two hours before bed? Discuss as a family how you are going to prevent a “tech addition”.
Join Manners To Go In This National Movement
We at Manners To Go and our licensees around the world are committed to joining this movement. Our licensees are trained and certified to teach children, teens and parents on how to communicate with others. Communication and interpersonal skills are vital to our communities and relationships. Adults need to build and have relationships to be successful well rounded adults. Your children need to observe this.
Additional Resources: Silicon Valley Insiders are Teaming Up to Fight Digital Addiction
James Steyer, the founder of Common Sense Media; and Tristan Harris, a former design ethicist at Google and co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology are leading the campaign.
Watch the interview by clicking on the video below:
Most likely we already share something in common. We believe that teaching children manners, character and social emotional skills are very important.
Manners To Go™ is a full-service company for those choosing to teach manners to children. You can make a difference. All children and teenagers deserve to feel what it is like to be confident, and use good manners out in the world.
Manners To Go™ is taught in public, private and charter schools around the world. The New York Times, Parents Magazine and Fox News have all featured Manners To Go and the many benefits of teaching social skills to children.
Yes, they asked for it! The high school students asked for a business etiquette session. Not the teachers or the staff. The students. Read the article by clicking this link.
What to Teach Your Children on Martin Luther King Day
” The time is always right to do what is right.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King had a dream. Teach children about the importance of having a passion for a cause. Martin Luther King demonstrated that anyone can achieve their dream no matter what obstacles they face.
Manners To Go™ is taught in public, private and charter schools around the world. The New York Times, Parents Magazine and Fox News have all featured Manners To Go and the many benefits of teaching social skills to children.
Whether you are an educator who wants to teach it in the classroom or someone who is looking to become trained and certified, we provide all the solutions.
My name is Lisa Richey, and I am the founder of Manners To Go™ . This brand has given me the honor of teaching manners to thousands of people around the world. The journey has taken me from Portland, Oregon to the Middle East. I believe that manners are not about judgment or rules. Manners are about self-interest. It really is about how using good manners makes you feel on the inside.
If you are an educator and interested in teaching manners to children, take a look at our curriculum for easy start. We provide all the lesson plans, scripted dialogue and handouts.
Lisa Richey provides etiquette programs to businesses, schools, and individuals.
