Sudbury residents, did you know that there will be a course on “The ABCs of Dining Etiquette” held at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn on Monday, July 20th? Yes, I just found out about it while reading an article at WickedLocal.com entitled, “The ABCs of Dining Etiquette”. According to this article, this workshop aims to provide a venue where children can learn such important life skills. I think it is very appropriate that such age old social skill should be taught at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, the oldest inn in America that is still in service.
Parents feel a special sense of pride when their children exercise proper etiquette and manners in social situations, and this workshop is a great way for us to help our children learn more about some very important life skills. This workshop will address things such as introducing themselves using proper language, posture and eye contact as well as how to shake hands. Other fundamental skills that children will learn include, how to set a table, when to be seated, napkin handling, when to start eating, how to handle silverware, proper cutting techniques, how to eat soup and how to pass food while at the table. Those children participating in this workshop will also learn restaurant etiquette, how to make polite conversation and how to be a gracious host/hostess. Children who participate will take home a note packet along with a written summary of the skills they have learned.
Sure, we as parents do our best to educate our children on the dos and don’ts of etiquette, but I believe that a formal workshop on this subject matter can be a great complement to that which we have instilled in our children. It’s important to note also that, even though we do our best to teach our children proper behavior in social situations, there are many external factors that can lead our children to adopt uncouth mannerisms. Media influence and peer pressure can have a great deal of impact on how our children will behave in social situations, in some cases more than parents.
I for one believe there is much less importance placed in having good social skills than in the past and would love to see more workshops teaching our young ones to grow into educated gentlemen and women.
Children will be able to practice the skills they learn while enjoying a delicious dinner. Dinner will include raspberry bisque soup, baked chicken breast with mashed potatoes and carrots and a beverage; and for desert, there will be ice cream.
As I mentioned above, this workshop will be held on July 20, from 5-7:30 p.m. at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn. This workshop is open to children between the ages of 8-11 and the cost of this workshop is $100.
This workshop will be taught by etiquette consultant, Janet Millis. If you would like more specific information, please contact Janet Millis at 866-376-1110 or visit www.etiquetteoftoday.net.
If you would like to find out more about this workshop, or if you would like to make reservations, please visit the Wayside Inn’s website or call 978-443-1776.
