The television news is flashing a picture of Martin Richard, the innocent 8 year old  boy    who was killed in the Boston Marathon bombing.  He is dressed in a white First  Communion suit and looks straight into the camera with a broad, toothless grin. I can’t bear to watch.

It is becoming commonplace to cross paths in public with parents who seem oblivious to their children’s bad behavior and how it affects
others.

Have you been in a situation like this?

Children are little.  They like candy.  They want to dance and twirl with Springtime.

If you are the parents of a young family that is celebrating Easter, you will want to remember those three things because you have two manners teaching moments on your horizon: The Easter Egg Hunt and Dressing Up.

Are you confused about how and when to begin teaching your kids to be polite?

Take this quick, one-question quiz to find your Raising Polite Kids parenting style.

Raising polite kids is my passion.

I have raised a lot of kids and I know that there are more than five things you need to do ensure they grow into kind and courteous adults, but these are at the top of my list.

Please let me know if you have others.

This from a grandmother, “Phoebe, who is 8 years old, read Soup Should Be Seen Not Heard! to herself. I know I’d better re-read the book because I’ve already been corrected for several things, like putting my napkin on the table during the meal. Ha, ha. Actually, we can probably all use reminders at one time or another.”