Polite Kids - Table Manners

I just found this wonderful new blog called Hybrid Mom. Hybrid Mom has a fantastic acronym for table manners. Take a look!

POLITE
Pull out the chair and sit squarely in the seat
Open napkin and put it in your lap
Let the host start eating before you do
I use silverware correctly
Talk to others and make nice conversation
Excuse yourself before leaving the table




Hybrid mom, you are brilliant! Thanks for a great tip. And here is my two cents. Every day all through the holidays....that will give you a good month, repeat the acronym POLITE at each meal and what the letters mean. The kids will get it committed to memory and and so will you. In no time you can have those dream kids you are desperately hoping for at dinnertime!

Check out Hybrid Mom's full article and blog page here!

Bonding - Family Reads

Why not pick a classic book favorite of yours and develop a "family reads" time of day? Right now, my son and I read every nite at bedtime. It has been a Percy Jackson fest. But we both look forward to our time together.

In the past, I have read Island of the Blue Dolphins with my daughter, Jonathon Livingston Seagull with both my kids. Can you believe my son got the symbolism?

This holiday season as the air gets cold, why not light a fire and read some of your favorite stories with your kids?

You might just open up a whole new world - for all of you.

Remember to believe in the value of your every contribution!

Maria

Bonding - Me and You and You and Me

Here's a quick tip. Find one thing that you can do with each of your children. It is something that just the two of you share. Simple. I am teaching my youngest chess. It's great. He's learning how to think critically and we have something really intimate to share.

Find one thing that the two of you share and protect it. I remember watching ER every Thursday night with my step-daughter. We would curl up under some covers and watch it every week. It was "our thing".

This is a great way to bond, have fun and take a time out in an all too busy world.

Have a great week and remember the power of your every contribution!

Maria