Nothing brings into focus your children’s horrendous table manners like spending the holidays with your in-laws. I was so appalled at their mealtime behavior that I proclaimed our “family” New Year’s resolution was to improve our manners, specifically surrounding dinner. Our running list includes: keep your bottom on the seat; no screaming; keep your mouth closed when chewing; PLEASANT conversation…
My little heart skipped a beat when I saw that “Certified Etiquette Trainer” Lashaune Tisdale would be at Brixx uptown this weekend. My son, likening the description to the Barbie “Charm School” series gave me an unequivocal “No Way.” (Dad had his back on that one, so I didn’t really push too hard). For the same reason, my 5-year old daughter was completely on board.
The inaugural event had a fantastic turnout, (including plenty of boys), a good sign that I’m not alone in my zeal to nip this bad behavior in the bud. About 25 kids were seated at two long tables under the spell of charming Ms. Tisdale. Far beyond my basic list, the class worked on polite ways of sipping a drink; dabbing the corners of your mouth with a napkin (or, as my daughter says, “dibbing,” – tomato, tomahto); sitting straight; keeping your hands on your lap; elbows off the table; and, my favorite, making PLEASANT conversation! They reviewed and rehearsed before the main event. At last, the pizza was served. Each and every child waited politely until everyone was served, then, quite graciously, I might add, proceeded to eat their pizza.
Parents hung out in the bar area and marveled at the transformation happening before their eyes. One grandma who ambushed two of her grandchildren was thrilled at the opportunity to make manners fun. Another dad was so impressed that he was thinking about a private “booster” session after the event.
Going alone with my daughter gave her a rare chance to do something that she loves: be the AUTHORITY on any given subject. Later that night, she reveled in the spotlight as she demonstrated her beautiful new manners at dinner. How charming!
The event was so successful that Brixx is planning another event at their SouthPark/Foxcroft location, timed for mid-late February. The cost is $5 for a kid’s pizza and drink. For more information, visit: www.brixxpizza.com. For more information about the Academy of Etiquette and Charm, visit: http://etiquetteandcharm.com.
