Children Can Learn Values Of Etiquette
Etiquette used to mean “Keep off the Grass.” When King Louis XIV’s gardener at the palace of Versailles discovered the aristocrats were trampling through his gardens, he put up signs or etiquets warning them to stay away. When the signs were ignored, King Louis decreed no one was to go beyond the bounds of the etiquets.
Later, the meaning of etiquette was expanded to include a list of rules to be followed at court functions, such as where to sit, what to say and how to behave.
Dorothea Johnson, director of The Protocol School of Washington D.C., who shared the above history of etiquette, also said, “Like language, etiquette evolves, but in a sense it still means ‘keep off the grass.’ If we stay within the flexible bounds of etiquette, we will present ourselves with confidence and authority in all areas of life.”
Etiquette consultant Merrily Bjerkestrand, who was trained and certified at The Protocol School of Washington, has started the Northwest School of Protocol.
Her Spokane-based business offers classes for teens, 13 to 17, teaching them valuable social rules of behavior required in a variety of situations.
“The return to traditional values in the ‘90s is bringing about an increased appreciation of good manners,” says Bjerkestrand. “Today, teenage role models of good manners and consideration for others are few and far between. Those who do have these skills, along with the courage to practice them, stand out.”
One course, “Dining Skills,” teaches students to feel comfortable and self-assured in party and dining situations. Specifically, they become savvy with silverware. They learn the ABCs of table manners. They become experts at invitations, tipping and thank you notes.
On the second (and final) day of the course, students practice their newly acquired etiquette skills at an on-site tutorial luncheon or dinner served at Patsy Clark’s Mansion or the Red Lion Hotel.
A second course, “Teen Etiquette for the ‘90s,” is a general etiquette program teaching teens how to handle meetings, introductions and job interviews. They learn handshaking, conversation and listening skills. They discuss the importance of good grooming for future success.
The fun and informative courses include role playing, slides, written materials and a workbook.
“Teen Etiquette” will be offered April 5 and 6; “Dining Skills” is April 27 and 28. For information on tuition and registration, call 467-2897.
Host families needed
Help your children become citizens of the world by hosting a high school foreign exchange student for the 1997-98 school year.
Worldwide International Student Exchange (WISE) is looking for all types of families, including single-parent families, to open their homes to these outstanding young people. Students arrive in late August from Europe, Russia, Brazil and Japan. They speak English and bring their own spending money and medical insurance. Host families provide room and board, and involvement in family life, receiving the benefits of friendship and cultural awareness.
Host family applications will be accepted until May. For more information, call Marcia Dorwin at 926-1883 or the WISE office, (800) 264-0948.
, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.