Etiquette Experts, Add This Book to Your List

Dr. Borba, “We Need to Teach Children How to be Human”

You may have seen Michele Borba, ED.D. on the Today Show giving parenting advice. As an etiquette expert, you will want to add this book to your reading list.

I was lucky enough to see her speak at a school in Philadelphia.  You can tell she is the EXPERT and one of the most passionate advocates for children and teens.

If you have not seen her, spend some time on You Tube to see and witness what I mean.

If You Are Currently Teaching Manners to Children or Waiting in the Wings, You Will Want to Add This Book to Your Reading List.

Thrivers: The Surprising Reason Why Some Kids Struggle and Other Shine 

Dr. Borba says Thrivers are made not born.

Even before the pandemic, children were stressed, lonely and overwhelmed.  According to Dr. Borba, we have focused so much on testing and being competitive, we have lost touch and not taught children how to be human.

When I read this….it caused a moment of pause. It is a profound statement and one I believe to be true.

Here is the good news.  Character strengths can and must be taught to children. Character strengths are as important as academic success. 

Dr. Borba Lists Character Strengths As:

• Self-Confidence
• Empathy
• Self-Control
• Integrity
• Curiosity
• Perservance
• Optimism

The book is filled with proven strategies you can easily teach children from preschool through high school.

I like how Dr. Borba gives us ideas on how to weave these skills into our everyday lives.  We don’t always need worksheets or lectures. 

By reading this book, we learn how to find meaningful ways to nurture the seven character strengths by modeling, discussing and pointing them out.

I do hope you add this book to your “etiquette” library.

As always, thanks for reading and being a part of the manners movement.