‘Superpower’ You Can Teach Your Children: An Etiquette Expert

Today, we're revealing a secret superpower that every parent can teach their child. It's not about strength or intelligence, it's about manners. According to etiquette expert Jennifer L. Scott, teaching good manners is one of the most valuable gifts a parent can give, and it can shape a child's life for the better. Jennifer L. Scott, author of Connoisseur Kids, etiquette, manners, and living well for parents and their little ones, believes that good manners are more than just rules. They're a superpower that can help children navigate life with ease and success. Two areas stand out for parents. Table manners and communication. For Scott, manners aren't just about following guidelines. At their core, they're about thoughtfulness, thinking of others, not just yourself. This applies not only at formal events, but in everyday family life. Scott's own six-year-old son exemplifies this by holding the door for her when she's carrying bags. A small gesture, but one that reflects genuine consideration. But where do kids learn this behavior? Scott stresses that children watch and learn from their parents. If adults want their children to have good manners, they need to model those behaviors first. Whether it's sitting properly at the table or saying please and thank you, parents are the key example. Scott also points out that teaching manners doesn't just improve a child's behavior, it makes parents more aware of their own habits, creating a ripple effect of positive behavior across the family. Now, teaching etiquette might sound challenging, but Scott says it can be fun, too. Take mealtime, for example. It can easily turn chaotic, but it's also the perfect opportunity to teach important life skills. Scott suggests starting with the basics. Waiting until everyone is served, asking to pass food instead of reaching and thanking the cook. And here's a tip to keep dinner engaging. Add conversation starters. Scott recommends writing down questions like, what was the best part of your day? Or if you had one superpower, what would it be? And pulling them from a jar during meals. It turns mealtime into a fun, interactive experience while teaching kids to communicate thoughtfully. In addition to everyday manners, Scott suggests preparing children for special occasions with a dress rehearsal. Before family gatherings or a fancy dinner, parents can set a formal table at home and walk their children through the process, placing the napkin on their lap, excusing themselves politely, and using utensils properly. This practice gives kids the confidence they need to shine in social settings. As kids grow older, communication becomes even more important. Scott shares an example of a teenager who struggled during a phone call with a prospective employer. The boy didn't know how to properly start or end the conversation because he was only used to informal chats with friends. This is why it's essential to teach kids how to interact politely with adults. Scott advises practicing basic skills like standing up straight, making eye contact, and offering a firm handshake. She even includes fun exercises in her book, like the mumble game, which teaches children to speak clearly by mumbling to each other and guessing what was said. It's a playful way to highlight the importance of speaking with clarity. Gratitude plays a big role in Scott's view of manners. She encourages children to express thanks, whether through words or handwritten notes. Gratitude, she says, makes children more conscious of their behavior and how they treat others. Being grateful fosters kindness and thoughtfulness in everyday interactions. Scott acknowledges that teaching manners takes effort, but the long-term benefits are undeniable. Good manners, once ingrained, become lifelong habits that can open doors and create opportunities. In fact, Scott often refers to manners as a superpower, one that helps children stand out in the best way possible. Manners, according to Scott, are far from outdated. They are timeless tools that can help children succeed in both their personal and professional lives. So, if you're looking for a way to give your child a real advantage in life, start with something simple. Teach them good manners. Because, as Jennifer L. Scott says, manners aren't just polite, they're a superpower.