When I teach a dining etiquette class, I always give the young men instructions on how to pull the chair out for their mothers. Upon seeing this, some giggle and smile, while others seem to have the look of a deer in headlights. We practice with the young ladies in the class. During all of my classes for children, I am constantly reminding them to go home and try this one with their mothers.



This is a reminder out there to all fathers telling them just how important it is to pull out the chair and open the car door for your wife. You want your children to witness this type of respect that you have for each other. Mothers all want their daughters to attract a kind and respectful gentleman when they get older. Daughters need to see this type of behavior from their fathers. In turn, it is just as important that your son observes it from his father. You want your son to attract the type of young woman who values this type of behavior. This also shows respect to you as a woman and a mother.

The same goes for car doors. How do you feel when your husband offers you this consideration? Isn’t it nice when he helps you with your coat? Remember, your children are watching you. This is how they learn their manners. When children see respectful behavior between their parents, it makes them feel safe and secure.

Practice this at home with your sons and daughters.

•Have your son pull out the chair for you or his sister at dinner tonight. You should enter from the right side of the chair, sit down and pull your legs around to the front of the chair. Then let your son push you gently into the table.

•Tell him thank you,

© Copyright 2006 The American Academy of Etiquette