Sometimes we save our best manners, our nicest behavior, for special events -- like eating in nice restaurants or visits to grandma's. But what, really, is more important than our own families? Sometimes it may seem easier to let loose and drop the good manners at home. But, what message does that send to our children? When we model our best behavior even at home with our families, behind closed doors, we teach our children how to show caring also for our "chosen families," our friends.

Language:

Good friends always see the best in each other and offer supportive words at every opportunity -- even when the friend is not present, friends always speak positively of their friends.
Good friends give each other compliments.
Behavior:
Good friends listen to each other with interest.
Good friends help each other solve problems.
Good friends treat their friends' families with the same respect as their own.

Exercises:

When we pay attention, we can gently turn almost any shared activity with our children into a learning opportunity. After reading a book or watching a movie or TV show or play with your children, ask them about the behavior.

"Was so-and-so a good friend?"
"How can you tell?"
"How would you have been a better friend if you had been in that situation?"
Car Talk:

The very best way to teach good behavior is to catch your child doing something well and praise them.

"Wow! That was good sharing!"
"I am so proud of the way you stood up for your friend just then. You should be proud, too. You are a good friend."

And, when you anticipate a situation in which your child might need a little refresher, like before a playdate, you can engage them in conversation by asking questions like:

"What would be a good way to decide who gets to play with something you both want to play with?"
"What is the best way to interact with your friends' parents?"
Be patient and be as consistent as possible. The rewards in good behavior are well worth the effort.

Katherine C. H. E. is a Flower Energy Consultant and Flower Meditation Coach. She helps empower her clients to take charge of their own well-being to empower themselves - with flowers - to live the BEST LIFE POSSIBLE.

She also created a "backpack" manners program for her son's elementary school in conjunction with the PTA.

Check out her website http://www.KatherineCHE.com for meditation audio (including some free downloads and meditations designed specifically to help to uplift in different ways). For more information, go to her website: http://www.KatherineCHE.com

Copyright, All Rights Reserved, Katherine C. H. E.