Emily Post's The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent's Guide to Raising Respectful, Kind, Considerate Children

by Peggy Post, Cindy P Senning

From America's trusted name in etiquette, this comprehensive guide explains step by step how to teach manners to children from toddlerhood through the teen years -- the first such Emily Post guide in more than half a century. Etiquette authority Peggy Post and noted educator Cindy Post Senning, Ed.D., show parents, grandparents, and other caregivers how to teach children manners at every age and for every situation at home, at school, and with friends. Uniquely structured by the stages of children's development, The Gift of Good Manners helps parents set age-appropriate, realistic goals as their child's world expands from crib and home to school, neighborhood, and community. Each section contains chapters on developing and demonstrating morals and ethics through specific actions; respecting oneself and others; and the essentials of spoken and written communication. Practical examples abound on everyday manners in every situation from the dinner table to restaurant dining; classroom behavior to sleepovers; and first thank-you notes to first dates and first job interviews. Special sections address parents' most asked questions; health and safety issues; toys, games, and activities; and special thoughts for grandparents. The Posts also advise on sticky situations that today's families often face: easy ways for busy parents to teach and model mannerly behavior; navigating the social politics of birthday parties, carpools, and school events; supervising teen parties; negotiating use of the phones; and much more. Filled with the practical examples and resourceful advice that has made the Emily Post name the etiquette choice of millions, The Gift of Good Manners proves that now, more than ever, manners are fundamental to success in life and are one of the greatest gifts parents can give.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education

400 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Peggy Post, Emily Post’s great-granddaughter-in-law, is a director of The Emily Post Institute and the author of more than twelve etiquette books. In March, 2011, Peggy began a new question and answer column with the New York Times called The Well-Mannered Wedding. The column aims to address modern day wedding conundrums and provide advice for the soon-to-be-wed.

Currently, Peggy is actively involved in the launch of Emily Post Wedding, a new line of wedding invitations produced by M. Middleton and licensed by The Emily Post Institute. Peggy has worked with M. Middleton on the development of the two collections, Grace and Style, and is now making public appearances at national and regional retailer events to promote the wedding invitation offering.

Peggy writes a monthly column in Good Housekeeping magazine. She is also a contributing editor for AARP, The Magazine. Peggy conducts lectures and seminars for businesses and community groups across the country. Peggy’s vibrant personality and media savvy have led companies to request her services for spokesperson campaigns. In this role she has worked with clients like MasterCard, Yahoo!, American Express, Florida Citrus, Merci Chocolates, Tassimo Hot Beverage System, Georgia-Pacific, and SBC Communications.

Peggy began her career as an international flight attendant for Pan American World Airways. She then taught seventh grade English and history in New York City before entering the business world, developing a 30-year career in management, consulting and sales. Born in Washington, DC, she was raised in Maryland and New Orleans and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from LSU. Peggy and her husband, Allen, live in south Florida, and she has two stepsons, Casey and Jeep.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read the beginning chapters, as my child is very young, thinking I could come back to it as she gets older. I liked the sensible suggestions about what is age-appropriate etiquette, but was truly annoyed at the extraneous material used as filler. If I need instruction on selecting infant gear, infant health issues, or other such questions, I'm not likely to turn to an etiquette book for the answers (or even remember that's where I saw the answers). I want my etiquette book to discuss etiquette--that's all--and not try to increase it's value with talking about choking hazards.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is broken down by years. So it's not something you'll want to sit down and read at once. Instead, it gives suggestions on how to instill good manners depending on the child's age. Some of it is common sense, but it's good to be reminded of nonetheless and helps parents know when a child might be ready to learn the next set of manners.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book would be better then it was. A lot of it just seemed like basic information and I was looking for more etiquette rules like her other books. There were several pages that I just scanned. Still a big fan of Peggy Post however!!

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing too new or great in this book but maybe that just means I already know a lot about good manners. =) Now if I could just help my children do those things...

[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this interesting and great food for thought. But, ultimately, too cumbersome for most people to ever want to make their way through.

[Stephani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brilliantly organized by stages of development so it gives you practical advice on what kids can and should handle by age. Really hoping I can impart some of these lessons to my kids!

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

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