Cue summer! Time for pool parties and impromptu sleepovers, preschool playdates and summer travel. During this time of year, you're likely to spend more time than ever relaxing with friends and family, which means your kiddos will either be in hand or off enjoying their own socialization.
And that brings me to...manners...and parents' worst pet peeves with visitors.
Groan. Moan. I know, I know. But I bet you're more interested in this subject than you pretend! In fact, the moment I said manners, I bet those eyeballs perked right up, wondering if your pet peeve made the list, and whether your kids measure up.
Well, let's get started.
For the month of June, I'll be tackling three problem areas that parents have identified, where bad behavior turns fun events into nightmares. I've surveyed over twenty parents to get feedback, with the promise of keeping the complaints anonymous (guess those moms and dads have some good manners...or maybe we just don't want to seem snarky!).
Here's what we'll be discussing...
Playdate Peeves...If you're a mom or dad of a young child, you know that generally, if you schedule it, they will come. But here's the thing. Whether you're inviting one or two families over, or an entire moms' group, chances are just one badly behaved kid can make or break the experience. The biggest complaint? Parents who don't keep that parental "eye" out to call out their kid if he or she is misbehaving. For more on this, check back June 12.
Party Frustrations...Surely you have recently attended or thrown a party for a child under ten. Kids in the first decade of life are not known for quiet conduct. And that's understandable. But put a little cake, juice, and the promise of new toys in the mix, and kids can get downright rowdy. On June 19, we'll discuss proper party manners for your kids, whether it's a party you're attending with them or not. Because, you don't want your kid to be the talk of the party. Not until college at least!
Visitor Vexations...And finally, the sleepover. Whether it's at Grandma's or the house of the most popular kid at school, before you ever send those kiddos with suitcases--anywhere--it's best to go over some ground rules and identify with the adult in charge anything that could become an issue at night. And the last thing you want is for your kid to be digging through someone else's refrigerator or master bedroom at 2 a.m. Respecting private space was the thing parents mentioned to me as critical to enjoying anyone's visit. Stay tuned for more June 26.
So let's get ready to get down and dirty. Because if those kids shape up their behavior and throw out some "please" and "thank you's," there's a good chance people will be talking about you and your children behind your back...in the nicest way possible.
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