Emily Post's The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent's Guide to Raising Respectful, Kind, Considerate Children [Paperback]

Peggy Post (Author), Cindy Post Senning (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 2005

Manners, fundamental social skills for success in life, are among the greatest gifts parents can give. From self-respect and respect for others to knowing how to behave in public, this comprehensive, practical guide helps parents instill age-appropriate manners as their child’s world expands from toddlerhood through the teen years. This is a must-have resource for every family.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"The mechanics of good manners can be learned at any age, but when the learning process begins in childhood, mannerly behavior eventually becomes natural." These words set the tone of the latest guide to come from the Post family. Coauthored by Peggy Post (Everyday Etiquette) and Senning, codirector of the Emily Post Institute, this informative manual on teaching social skills to children is based on taking advantage of each development stage. A baby or a toddler is very limited in his or her ability to understand the fine points of mannerly behavior but, as the authors point out, babies learn first through imitation. Parents or caregivers who consistently demonstrate kind and respectful treatment of others will be used as positive role models by the children in their care. The authors fully describe each stage of growth and then outline all aspects of etiquette that should be taught during this period. From such trivial concerns as how to eat soup properly to important issues such as bullying and cheating, Post and Senning provide detailed guidance on methods of instructing children in acceptable behavior. Whatever the age of the child, they suggest positive reinforcement rather than punishment and, in fact, are opposed to any corporal punishment. During the difficult adolescent years, Post and Senning recommend keeping communication lines open, setting clear rules and expectations, and praising rather than criticizing teens. This is an excellent source of ideas and inspiration for raising children to be considerate adults.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Every child wants to be well liked, and every parent wants children who can get along well in the school, social, and work arenas. The secret to this is good manners, and Post, the author of ten etiquette books, and Senning, codirector of the Emily Post Institute, emphasize that these do not simply materialize on their own. Like proper hygiene, good manners must be instilled from the beginning, until they become habit. This book guides the reader through the development of babies, children, and teens, explaining what they are capable of and when. Teaching a toddler to say "please" and "thank you" evolves into the preschooler's "excuse me," and the child's "I'm sorry," right up to the teen's college application letter. The confidence that accompanies social skills will stand adults in good stead throughout their lives. Not since Miss Manners (Judith Martin) gave us her Guide to Rearing Perfect Children has this topic been so well done. Highly recommended. Susan B. Hagloch, Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (August 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006093347X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060933470
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #234,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Handbook for Raising Thoughtful Children, December 28, 2006

By 

Jokie X Wilson "jokiex" (San Francisco, California United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Emily Post's The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent's Guide to Raising Respectful, Kind, Considerate Children (Hardcover)

There are tons of books that cover how to raise children properly. Some are way out of touch and some are quite useful. This book definitely fits the latter description. The most useful advise in it for me was to not expect things from children that they cannot provide. At the same time, it does not suggest allowing children to misbehave without being corrected. It is not so much a matter of all or none. Rather it is a matter of taking the right approach and having realistic expectations for the outcome.

It would be nice if raising kids was as simple as turning a switch on and off, but the book explains why this is not so. It makes no effort to suggest that any of the methods will be easy to implement, especially when they must be over and over again, with patience and dedication. It also breaks down realistic expectations by age group, each one having its own issues.

I have made use of the book when I work professionally with children. Much of the suggestions even work well with special needs children where the text needs to be applied based on individual development where the mental age of the child is lower than the physical age. Whatever the case, it provides a lot of coaching for the attitude of the adult where setting the best example is essential, especially when children are at their most difficult.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for a forgotten way of life!, April 8, 2008

By 

Terry Gleason "terry2oon" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Emily Post's The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent's Guide to Raising Respectful, Kind, Considerate Children (Paperback)

I ordered this book for my granddaughter as a Christmas gift. She is a teenager now and really wants to learn more about the proper way to do and say things. This little book is extremely informative with all the things young people should already know (but maybe have forgotten) and all the things that we all need more practice on. I would recommend this book to anyone who's social life is growing and wants to be the best they can be. An essential read for all ages.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a MUST own!, November 12, 2007

By 

J. Plummer (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Emily Post's The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent's Guide to Raising Respectful, Kind, Considerate Children (Hardcover)

As a parent, I'm really concerned with making sure I raise a well-mannered child. I remember how proud my parents were when someone made a comment on how well-behaved we were as children, and I would love for someone to tell me that I have such well-mannered girls. The behaviours I have seen in some children today are abhorrent and I would NEVER allow my children to act so ungraciously so I checked out this book in hopes that I may start teaching manners to my children early, and not let them develop bad habits. This book is terrific. Its expectations of children and parents are not unreasonable. It's written with a realistic point of view. It's not a stodgy and cold fact book. It is also divided by age groups and it covers infancy (yes, you CAN start this soon) through getting to college. It is a very handy reference tool and it's easy to find what you are looking for, in terms of ettiquette topics (thank you notes, table manners, etc.) I highly recommend it to all parents, and I plan on buying it as well. The main point the Post's are trying to convey in this book is that in order for our children to have good manners that they need us parents to set the good example and this book is a good review for us to brush up on our ettiquette as well.