For many teens, the concept of manners or etiquette may seem horribly formal and outdated. But in fact, basic guidelines for social interaction represent more than just another set of rules teens must follow; they are tools that teens can use to form stronger relationships with their peers, their family, their authority figures, and their larger community as a whole. And while it's easy for both teens and adults to dismiss manners as something superficial, the reality is that manners have an impact on the way teens are perceived by others and can even influence a teen's attitude. So it behooves us as parents to recognize that much of what they learn-and many of the behaviors they exhibit-they learned from us.
In this study for parents we'll explore ways we can be sure we're encouraging a regular practice of manners at home to ensure our kids are using them when they are truly needed-at school and with other adults.
As always, our parenting studies include tips for discussing this topic with your teen, reflection questions for parents, and discussion questions for groups.