You've Got Social Manners! Party Pointers from A to Z For Kids of All Ages |
You've Got Social Manners! Party Pointers from A to Z For Kids of All Ages
By Louise Elerding
G
Good sportsmanship while playing games keeps the party happy. Be a good winner and a smiling loser.
Gifts like to land in the hands of the person they are meant for. Give the special gift directly to your friend, or your hostess. Say something nice as you hand them your present, like... "I thought of you when I saw this. I hope you like it."
H
Helping yourself to food from your friend's refrigerator and cupboards could be risky. If you're starving, ask nicely if there is something you may have.
Households have rules. When you are the visitor, fit in with whatever those rules are. Maybe there is a room that is off-limits to food, such as "no eating in the living room."
I
If it's a birthday party, make time to go over to the birthday-kid you are celebrating, and say a sincere "Happy Birthday + their name."
If you don't like the games, play anyway. Don't be a party-pouter.
J
Jokes make a party really fun. Be sure the story does not hurt someone's feelings on purpose.
Join in to help clean up after the party. Wipe up any spills you see on tables or carpets. Offer to put away leftover food, and help take out the trash.
K
Keep your word if you promise to do something for a friend. A promise is a promise!
Knock-knock -? Knock before opening any closed door -- like the bathroom, a bedroom, or an office.
L
Let your friends choose what they'd like to do when they are invited to your house. Take turns choosing what to play, and give everyone a chance to go first.
Listen instead of doing tons of talking. Listeners learn and make the best pals.
M
Maybe a very quiet person is really a shy person. Make him feel a part of the group by asking him a question like "Who is your teacher this year?" This could stat a new friendship.
Make your bed or roll up your sleeping bag and pillow when you have been to a sleepover at a friend's house. Pack up all of your belongings when it's time to leave, and be on time when your ride comes to get you.
N
Not your fault... but, oops, you broke something. Tell the person it belongs to right away... and see what you can do to help fix or mend it.
Name yourself and the family who lives there, when you answer the phone in someone else's home. Say, "Hello, this is the Smith residence... Alyssa speaking." Then offer to take a message.
O
Offer a snack to your houseguests, and share whatever you are eating when munching & crunching in front of someone else. Share other things too - like toys, books, & games.
Overnight gear needs to have a good place to land. Ask your hostess where she would like you to put your things; don't just drop them anywhere.
P
Playing with all of the friends you've invited over is important: do not ignore anyone that you asked to come and play with you. Be equally nice to eneryone.
Place the toilet seat in the DOWN position before you leave the bathroom. Remember that's what it's made for. It's a cover, it's a lid, it's a round "door" that needs closing... GOOD KID.
Q
Quiet voices and quiet activities are polite when you are up early and no one else in the house is awake yet.
Quickly stand up when someone new is being introduced to you, or is coming into the room to meet you. It makes them feel special.
R
RSVP means "please reply" in French. Always answer an invitation that is given to you, either "yes" or "no" - and do it as soon as you can.
Rearranging furniture in someone else's house isn't a great idea - unless you're getting paid as their furniture mover! Leave beds, lamps, and tables where they are.
S
Smile and say "goodbye" and "thank you for inviting me" to your friend and their parent when you leaving their house or the party.
Shake hands and say something friendly when someone puts their hand out to shake yours.
T
Take time out to let another person finish talking before you interrupt them with what you want to say. Take turns talking and listening to each other.
To be the receiver of gifts is very fun. Be sure to say a smiley "thank-you," and add something nice about the present, like... "I'll have fun with this!"
U
Unless you are offered a choice of foods at a mealtime, don't ask for something else that is not being served.
Using the phone in someone else's home needs permission. Asking first is always polite and appreciated.
V
Very good guests pay attention to when a party invitation has an "ending time". Plan to leave by the ending time stated.
Visiting elderly relatives will be nice if you bring them something to see - pictures of you in school activities, sports, or places you have been. You can also bring them something you have made.
W
Whispering in front of others makes people feel uncomfortable. Wait until later, in private, if you have something personal to talk about with a friend.
Wear the right clothes for the event you are going to. Dress "up" for fancy times like graduation parties and weddings. Dress sporty for casual times, like picnics, bowling, theme parks, and play-dates.
X
X-amine your choice of words - so that no foul language comes to a nice party.
"X-cuse me, please" ... take all cell phone calls off to the side, away from the table and away from where other people are having a conversation.
Y
You will need to check with the party-giver before bringing along an extra person who was not invited - even if it's a sister or brother or someone staying with you. Being considerate gives the host time to plan for more food and favors.
Yes, you love to be with your pet - so ask your host before you bring it along to a party or into their house.
Z
Zip to a private place or the restroom to comb your hair and do other grooming.
Zoom as soon as you can to return anything you borrowed from a pal: like a book, a jacket, a game, or some athletic equipment.
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