Manners Begin at Breakfast: Modern Etiquette for Families

by Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece

The essential guide to modern etiquette for children

The founder of a successful children’s clothing line, author of an influential parenting blog, and mother of five children, Marie-Chantal of Greece is constantly asked how she manages to do it all—raise her kids and run her business while leading an active social life. So many of these queries—about proper etiquette for children in our fast-paced, technology-centered world—led her to recognize the need for a modern handbook on children’s manners. Manners Begin at Breakfast addresses rules of etiquette, including basic table manners, social media, fashion dos and don’ts, and party conversation. Covering children from infants to teens, Manners Begin at Breakfast is an essential guide for all parents concerned about raising self-assured, well-adjusted children who are equipped to thrive in society and develop into confident, successful adults. Illustrated with charming, specially commissioned watercolors and written in a lively, conversational style, it is certain to become a perennial and parental must-have resource.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Childrens, Self Help, Family

232 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2020

Reviews

[Amy Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good etiquette book. Even better when written by royalty! My kids are still feral, but this was fun.

[Cori Ready · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic. But I just wanted to see what a Princess would say on the matter. The only thing new I learned is that you should never ever cut a bread roll, only rip/tear. News to me.

[Regina Sobeck Hark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet guide for establishing structure and manners early on for children. It offers helpful tips and the benefits for kids such as greater connection with friends and family, increased confidence and sense of security, as well as increased brain function and overall health. It’s a quick, but handy read and will be a nice reference for our family.

[Tim Littleford · Rating 1 out of 5]

The best thing about this book is the book itself. It feels beautiful and looks stunning. The content on the page is eh. Much common sense, too much preoccupation with how others perceive your family.

[Evelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book with good tips and beautiful drawings 💕

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manners Begin at Breakfast" by Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece imparts invaluable lessons on etiquette and good manners for children and families. Here are ten key takeaways from the book:

1. Start Early: Teaching manners from a young age is essential. Simple gestures like "please" and "thank you" should be ingrained in daily interactions.

2. Table Etiquette: Mealtime is perfect for practicing good manners. Children should learn how to use utensils properly, wait for everyone to be served, and engage in polite conversation.

3. Graceful Interactions: Extending kindness and respect beyond the family unit is crucial. Encourage children to greet and thank service providers.

4. Technology Balance: Instruct children on proper technology usage and the importance of digital manners.

5. Cultivating Gratitude: Instill gratitude in children to foster generosity and appreciation for others.

6. Handling Challenges: Teaching children to respond gracefully to difficulties is vital for their overall manners.

7. Social Skills: Proper introductions and social etiquette build children's confidence in social settings.

8. Hosting and Guest Etiquette: Being gracious hosts and guests is a critical social skill to cultivate.

9. Role of Respect: Respect is fundamental to good manners. Encourage active listening and respect for personal boundaries.

10. Lifelong Practice: Manners should evolve with children's growth, adapting to various social contexts.

Remember, learning manners is an ongoing journey that adapts to different life stages. From casual playdates to formal events, practicing good manners enriches children's lives.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this book is written by royalty, the etiquette lessons and methods of bringing them to your children are accessible and surprisingly relatable. I would dislike this book if only MC's positive experiences had been shared, but she humbles herself to the point of sharing her personal social faux pas' regarding her children, and that makes this book delightfully relevant, to me. I wish there had been more discourse on how to handle things when etiquette lessons go poorly or how the lessons inherit in teaching etiquette to five very different children played out differently for each. A lot of her advice was also common sense, thus the 3 stars. But I did enjoy the beautiful artwork!

[Bindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully presented book with sweet little illustrations, and it was quite an easy read. Bonus it has a little ribbon in it so I wasn't scrounging for a bookmark or memorising page numbers. I found a lot of the information surrounding etiquette and manners to be a helpful refresher after a few years of not using the more specific skills, and now wanting to make a more conscious effort for myself and my young children. The parenting advice is a bit outdated compared to what is recommended based in more recent research and I am not taking any of that advice on board from this book. Definitely an "eat the meat and spit out the bones" book for me.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

One wonders whether a book on raising well-behaved children written by a wealthy heiress who married the Crown Prince of Greece (with the foreword written by Tory Burch) is going to be applicable and accessible to individuals of more modest circumstances. But, Marie-Chantal of Greece starts off her book by clarifying that "the simple face is you don't need a formal upbringing in order to live a life replete with good manners. Even if you carve out just a minute or two to chat with your children before you start your day, that brief connection, and an understanding of the importance of sharing experiences around the table, creates good manners…when we spend each day listening to one another, we will always have elgance of heart, no matter the occasion."

In Manners Begin at Breakfast, each chapter is based on a particular theme: table manners; use of technology; clothing; travel tips; play dates; party essentials; being a good sport; engaging with family; navigating holiday celebrations; baby etiquette. Most of what Marie-Chantal covers is basic (although basic does not mean it is practised consistently). For instance, when it comes to meals, eating together as a family, no phones, give children a task at mealtimes (e.g. bringing cutlery from the kitchen), starting utensil training early.

On technology, her advice is to put off giving children a social media account for as long as possible, to limit screen time and gaming time and even then, only after chores and homework had been completed. She stresses that "for all electronic devices, it's imperative to create a rule about time limits…I would simply advise you to set a ground rule for smart phone and tablet usage and stick to it; even if it turns into a battle to begin with, eventually you and your child will embrace the routine and boundaries it establishes". Marie-Chantal's advice on technology etiquette is helpful: remind children not to use texting to say something they're afriad to say in person. If your family has a no-bullying rule, remind your kids that this extends to not using social media and texting to hurt others' feelings.

Overall, Manners Begin at Breakfast offers sensible advice and pointers, delivered in an accessibly written format. At the end of the day, it comes down to setting clear expectations on standards of behaviour, modelling these behaviours and creating routines and rituals (e.g. daily family meals, regular gatherings with extended family) where kids get to practise these behaviours. Easy to say, not so easy to do alas.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this as a family Christmas Gift. For adults it is very much common sense and, but I can see how this would be useful to read with children or to use as social stories. My 10 year old son picked it up and was interested in reading a bit of it. I showed him the part about not putting elbows on the table, and he was actually receptive to it (instead of just thinking I'm being nit-picky). The illustrations in the book are adorable.

[Jessi Cozad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful and it looks great on a shelf but I dont think I would recommend it to anyone, I did not gain anything from it.

[Hoan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aesthetically beautiful, simple and straightforward. As a middle aged adult I found these tips to be very basic etiquette and most "common sense" however I could see how a young teen or young inexperienced adult could benefit from basic manners. There were a few tops I had not heard of like speaking to someone on your left and then right half way through a formal dinner, which could be too formal for most. I had higher hopes for this book and was a bit disappointed that it wasn't more respectful.

[Sarah MAC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book that pleases my whole family! Great illustrations make the book kid friendly. We have learned many new things from this book. I would recommend it to families looking for a more sophisticated social story. It would also be a good cultural primer for people learning English &/or moving to the USA or UK. It also opens my eyes to improving some of my not so polite phone behavior. A great read, I highly recommend.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated and heavy book. Manners Begin at Breakfast - Modern Etiquette for Families is filled with useful information. Many of the things mentioned I knew already, but it’s always good to have a refresher. If you’re wanting to teach your children manners and etiquette or wanting to remind yourself what you were taught growing up, then I can recommend this book.

[grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this kind of straightforward and charming handbook that is great for instilling discipline and etiquette in children from an early age. It provides valuable advice for both children and parents.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mercifully, very quick read of common sense child rearing tips. “Don’t curse in front of your children”- and “teach them to sit through a meal” are far from revolutionary. If you were hoping for practical tips about how to teach children to learn manners, this is not the book for you.

[Chrishna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reminder about manners. Fast and easy. Mostly common sense, but it's always good to have a reminder.

[Wsclai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being courteous is to be kind to people around you.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great section for technology and kids.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice book about manners and etiquette. Even though is mostly for children, I feel like adults can also learn from this as well. Furthermore, the art work is really adorable.

[Lindsey Stromberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing unusual, no many new tips, that can't be found in any basic manner books.

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent educacional etiquette guide for families. Contains timeless tips. The illustrations are lovely.

[Derek Dorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic and lacking in real insights

I flipped through this in about 30 minutes and found little that wasn’t common parenting knowledge and few tips that were actually helpful.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is essentially a parenting blog with an attempt at a cute little cover. It’s certainly not worth the price of admission if you can read the exact information online.

[Dini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I am being too presumptuous, but I found most of these courtesies very common sensical.

[Jasmine Molnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some takeaway points, easy to read with cute illustrations.

[Nick Salenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that shares insider knowledge on proper etiquette for modern children.

[Gema Sánchez Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy bien para ideas sobre etiqueta y comportamiento infantil. Algunos son muy prácticos

[Desiree Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential life skills best taught by a Royal(thank you Marie-Chantal!)

[Danielle Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pretty book and well done. A lot of it didn't apply to my family but that's to be expected. I almost wish each chapter ended with bullet points of particular rules of behavior to remember.