Summertime is in full swing, which means that it’s time for patriotic celebrations and events such as a parade or the Olympics. In today’s blog post, we’ll discuss some flag etiquette tips that are important to keep in mind during any parade throughout the year. I’ll also provide a number of other summer etiquette tips and explain how my etiquette classes on manners for kids can help children learn many important skills to help them succeed at school and as they proceed further in life.
Flag Etiquette at Parades
Life offers many teaching moments for children, and a parade is no different. When attending a parade, you can train your kids to respect the American flag. Tell them to…
- Stand up
- Remove your hat
- Place your right hand over your heart
- Stop conversation while the flag passes
Of course, this doesn’t need to happen every time the flag passes you on the parade route! If the flag is being carried by an honor guard or in a group with other flags, stand up to salute veterans or pay respect to the flag. Small handheld flags don’t require a salute, but children shouldn’t drop these American flags on the ground or leave them in the street.
In addition to flag etiquette, children can learn many other ways to serve and gain etiquette skills throughout the summer months. Below are some additional tips to help you train your children throughout the rest of this season.
Summertime Manners for Kids
It is very important that we teach our children and teenagers that every minute counts and summertime should be productive. This might mean raising bees or helping an elderly neighbor. I tell all of my children and teenagers to journal. This is important! Colleges are looking for functional, problem-solving young adults who have servant hearts and a desire to invest in the university they attend.
In a recent article I read in Town & Country, someone asked the question, “Is there anything my child can do this summer that will help their chances of getting into a good college?” With some caveats, the answer is, yes! Admission directors are looking at what teens do with their free time.
I cannot emphasize enough to parents the importance of teaching your children and young adults to make every minute count. The following are suggestions for summer…many are free ways to improve yourself! Time is short and is a treasure.
- First and foremost, teach your children a sense of community awareness through your church and civic organizations. Research any needs of your community.
- Make sure you go to the library or nearest Barnes & Noble. While at the library, pick up brochures and search for opportunities that you and your family could do together.
- Teach your child to work! My grandson and I had a lemonade stand in the hot Texas heat. We learned our lesson…standing in the heat produces results. Many neighbors were thirsty!
- Find a job or a shadowing opportunity. This is a great way to expose your children to real-life work environments.
- Volunteer in your community.
- Go to senior homes and visit once a week. Ask if you can share any talents you may have with the seniors, such as singing, storytelling or even delivering cookies.
- Be an entrepreneur! Start a business together and teach your child to knock on doors (in a safe, supervised manner). Have kids make business cards and reach out to the community for cleaning, mowing or babysitting.
- Summer is a great time to start Kumon or SAT and ACT test preparations. Drill, drill and drill.
- Exercise together and get into shape.
- Visit and / or volunteer at local museums.
- Have your child write an article and submit it to the local paper or community magazines.
- Above all, teach your children to be aware of the needs of others. If a friend is in need, look for ways to help him or her.
- Keep a Journal or three-ring binder with brochures or ideas to pull from whenever your kid comes up to you and says the dreaded “I’m bored.”
- Join Toastmasters International. This is a great way to learn self-presentation skills.
- Give speeches to local civic groups. You can contact each one and ask to be a guest speaker.
Book Your Session with a Dallas Etiquette Expert
All of the ideas mentioned above are ways that parents can make the summer months count. Of course, this isn’t only for your child’s college admission application, but also to help him or her learn how to make a difference in the community.
Lisa Burdette’s private and group lessons can help young girls and boys learn dining, interview prep and other essential etiquette skills to help them succeed at home, in school and throughout life. Reach out via our Contact page to request your manners for kids session with Lisa today! The Dallas School of Etiquette also offers business etiquette and fine dining sessions for teens and adults.
