focus/skills: Etiquette, manners social skills, food habits
related boxes: Wee Be Good, Classic Toddler, Moody Foodie, Too Cool for Preschool, New Yorker
recommended reading: Madeline Says Merci; How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food; Manners, by Aliki; Emily's Magic Words, by Cindy Post Senning, Ed. D. and Peggy Post; Excuse Me! A Little Book of Manners, by Karen Katz; Emily Posts' The Guide to Good Manners for Kids

Take a cue from Madeline and Eloise and enjoy afternoon tea with your child. Make an event of it, and boys and girls alike can learn important social skills and etiquette lessons under the guise of a fun lunch experience. In advance of the event, read books about etiquette and manners and practice what you learn the weeks prior to the big date. Dress in your favorite outfit and let your child pick his or her favorite as well. Whether making the tea at home or going to a local hotel, be sure to model good manners for your child by saying key phrases like "Thank you," "Please," "May I," etc. If staying home, create a menu. Read the menu with your child and talk about the choices. Let them pick their favorite or chose for them and talk about the variety of offerings when it arrives. Discuss the placement of the table settings and things you use to show your good manners like using your napkin, not speaking with food in your mouth, not slurping your tea, Praise good behavior and manners and be patient with your child.