Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 10
Rule:One of the best ways to write a thank-you note is on a fold over note with a matching envelope. Reason:Such notes are usually of good paper stock and provide the proper format for an informal note. Application:Look for fold over notes and matching envelopes in a stationery store, the grocery store, a discount store, and many other places. The envelopes and the notes when folded are approximately three and one-half inches by five inches or a little larger, never smaller. The post office will not accept smaller ones. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 9
Rule:You or your child should write a social note after receiving a special favor or a special kindness from someone. Reason:Your child will glow when the recipient of the note (probably an adult) praises the child for writing the note. Application:Let your children see you writing such notes. When your children read your notes of appreciation, they will develop a better sense of what to say in theirs. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 8
Rule:Even when your child makes a phone call to thank a friend for the new-comers party given in his or her honor, a thank-you note should be written. Reason:A thank-you note can be read and appreciated by others. It will help leave a lasting and favorable impression. Application:Help your child make the phone call of thanks the next day, then as soon as possible write a note saying how nice the party was and how much it was appreciated. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 7
Rule:A bread and butter note should be written after an overnight stay in someone’s home unless you are friends who reciprocate often. Reason:The note we write after spending at least one night with someone has long been called a bread and butter note, referring to the meals shared over a period of time. Application:Teach your child to address the note to the lady of the house, the hostess, or to the friend who invited him or her. The note should express thanks for the invitation and say something especially nice about the visit, such as, a special meal or a specific activity. (When two friends often sleep over at one another’s house, it is not necessary to write a note, but it is proper to do so if you want to). Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 6
Rule:When someone in the family has been sick and received gifts, cards, and food, the ailing one should write notes of appreciation as soon as he or she is feeling better. Reason:Writing notes after an illness shows that we care and appreciate what our friends do for us. Application:Always keep a list of who brought what, such as the chicken soup, the novel to read, the scented candle, etc. Wait until the ill family member is feeling better and then help him or her get together everything needed to respond to the well wishers. The task may even be done in bed with the right bed tray table. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 5
Rule:For writing social notes, you should provide a special place with the proper supplies handy for all members of the family to write notes and letters. Reason:When supplies are readily available and when a comfortable spot with a flat surface is accessible, all members of the family will be more likely to write notes. Application:Go to a stationery store (or even a discount store) and purchase paper, fold-over notes, envelopes, pencils, pens, markers, ink pads, and stamps. Choose a drawer or a desk in the house where all the supplies can be easily found. Include the family address book. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 4
Rule:To teach the art of writing thank-you notes parents should see to it that their children have the proper tools for creating an appropriate note to fit the occasion. Reason:Receiving a note from anyone is like getting a handwritten hug. Application:You and your child can write notes for birthday, Christmas, or “just because.” There are get-well notes, “bread and butter” notes after an overnight visit, friendship cards, and responses to invitations. Other occasions for writing notes are following a special trip or an outing. It’s nice to write a note to a Sunday school teacher or church leader for being a thoughtful, caring teacher. Notes and cards with kind sentiments are always appropriate when a hug is needed or recognition is due. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 3
Rule:Generally, thank-you notes for gifts should be written within one week of receiving them. Reason:The giver may be anxious to learn if you received the gift and how you liked it. Application:Help your child prepare a note for each gift received, and let it be his or her special creation. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 2
Rule:As age allows, children should be taught when to write, what to use, where to write, what to say, and how to send a thank-you note. Reason:These are the elements of proper correspondence. Application:Teach your children to write notes promptly when they receive a gift, a favor, an invitation, or anytime they want to make someone feel good. Provide a special place with the proper tools such as paper, envelope, pencil (or marker), and stamps for your family members to create their correspondence. Guide the child in writing the thank-you words, how to seal and stamp the envelope, and how to mail it. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
Writing Thank-You Notes Rule # 1
Rule:Children as young as three should be taught how to write a thank-you note. Reason:Teaching thoughtfulness at an early age will be a lifetime benefit to the child. Application:Your three-year-old, with the right assistance, can scribble or draw a picture of the new birthday toy he or she received from Grandma. Explain how good it will make Grandma feel to receive a thank-you note in the mail or in person. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 29
Rule:A sleep-over guest should abide by the “going to bed and getting up rules” of the house. Reason:Other people in the house may have a heavy schedule the next day and need their rest. Besides, it is the considerate thing to do. Application:While you may have a good time, you must, as a guest, pay attention and abide by the rules laid out by the parent. For instance, if you are an early riser, be very quiet until you are told that everyone has risen. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 28
Rule:When it comes time to leave, a good guest asks the friend and the parent if there is anything that needs cleaning up or putting away before he or she leaves. Reason:Leaving a friend’s house in proper order when you leave will be appreciated and remembered. Application:Ask your host friend first and then a parent if there is anything you can help with before leaving. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 27
Rule:A good guest always helps clean up and put toys or games away. Reason:It is the polite thing to do and it also speeds up the chore so the two friends can move on to another activity. Application:When play is finished, don’t simply offer, but begin picking up the pieces of the activity to return them to the box. After a meal, offer to help with the dishes and listen carefully for the mom’s answer. She may want help and she may prefer to do the dishes alone. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 26
Rule:A guest is expected to pay his own way unless the host family insists on paying the expenses of a planned activity. Reason:Both guest and host will feel more comfortable if the guest clearly is prepared to pay his or her way, even if the host plans to take care of everything. Application:When it comes time to pay for the movie ticket, for instance, be prepared to pay your own way as a guest. Offer once to pay for your ticket. You can have your money in your hand and say, “I’ll get mine, or something similar.” But don’t insist or make a scene. Neither the host nor the guest should be embarrassed over financial arrangements. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 25
Rule:A guest is always polite and kind to the brother and sisters of the resident child even when the resident child is quarreling with the sibling. Reason:Family members sometimes take liberties with one another that they would find offensive if a guest, such as being a tattletale. Application:If a brother or sister of the resident child is annoying you, resist the urge to tattle. If your friend and a sibling are quarreling, stay out of the way. If the sibling is annoying you, be cooperative and generous, and you might make a new friend. If the other child becomes intolerable, ask the host child to help you out and let him or her tell the parents. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 24
Rule:If a guest makes a mess, he or she should tell the mom and help clean up. Reason:The more mature you are the more you take responsibility for your actions.
It will be appreciated. Application:Find the parent, explain what happened, and say that you are sorry. Ask where you can find the cleanup tools. If the parent wants to do the cleaning alone, abide by those wishes. The soiled or damaged item may require special treatment. If you broke something, you must offer to replace it, and even if the parent says that is unnecessary, finding a replacement is the polite and proper thing to do. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 23
Rule:A guest does not make telephone calls without asking permission. Reason:The call may be charged to the host family. Application:If your call is long distance, use a credit card or make arrangements with your family for the call before you leave home. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 22
Rule:If you are an overnight, out-of-town guest, you should write a thank-you note as soon as possible after you arrive home – even if you thanked the parents personally before leaving. Reason:It is called a bread and butter note and is a long standing tradition. Application:If you do not have your own note cards, simply ask your mom for a nice piece of paper and an envelope. It is not necessary to write a long letter. Simply say something nice about your visit such as the food or the activities. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 21
Rule:Upon leaving, a guest should always find the parent (s) to thank them for inviting you. Reason:It is the polite and gracious thing to do. Application:You may say as much as you like, but be sure to say, “Thank you for inviting me.” If you had a good time, say so. Otherwise, simply say, “Thank you.” Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 20
Rule:A guest should carry a list in his suitcase of everything he brought. Reason:The host family should not find it necessary to return items later. Application:Before leaving home, make the list and pack it. When it comes time to leave, simply check everything off your list. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 19
Rule:A guest may say, “Excuse me, please” when he or she absolutely must enter a room or interrupt briefly. Reason:Sometimes, others may not realize they are interfering with a guest’s needs. Application:Simply say, “Excuse me, please. I must get my glove to go to ball practice now.” Upon leaving the room, say, “Thank you.” Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 18
Rule:A guest always respects the privacy of others. Reason:Remember the Golden Rule. You as a guest would not want your brother’s visiting friend sneaking around spying on you at your house. Application:Never open a closed door without knocking. Never enter a room uninvited where two people appear to be having a private conversation. Don’t snoop in drawers, closets, or cupboards. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 17
Rule:A guest may be expected to use his or her bath towel more than once. Reason:When drying off we do not soil a towel. Application:If you are unsure about getting a fresh towel and you are not offered one, you may ask the resident child what is expected. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 16
Rule:A guest should always make his or her bed daily, or at least make the attempt, even if the resident child does not straighten his or her sleeping place. Reason:The parent hosts will be pleased and impressed when he or she looks into the room later in the day. Application:Start with the cover sheet, straightening it by pulling it toward the pillows. Next, bring the blanket or comforter up and smooth out any ripples. If the bed is difficult to reach or is crowded against a wall, you may not be able to do a fantastic job, but the attempt is what counts. On the last day of the visit ask the mom if you should strip the bed for the laundry. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
The Perfect Guest Rule # 15
Rule:A guest must wait his or her turn to talk. Reason:Interrupting others is very rude and unpleasant. Application:If the adults are having a conversation and the resident children are not taking part, as a guest you must not try to enter the conversation. If everyone in the family is talking, you may join in the discussion if someone asks your opinion. Copyright 2003, June Hines Moore Click here for a biblical approach and resources on manners.
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