THE IMPORTANCE OF 'MAY I?'

This past Xmas holiday, I had the honor of serving on my Estate's annual Christmas party committee....it ended up being a 2 member committee only mr Lawrence and I. To get donations for the party, was the proverbial camel going through the eye of the needle.

We were able to scramble enough donations both in kind and in cash and put together a nice party (even if I do say so myself). The kids had fun. The non-contributing adults, were the overwhelming majority. We didn't mind because we had more than enough food to go round, we had hors d'oeuvre (small chops) asun (no translation will suffice) and barbeque.

What irked me the most was the way the adults would ask for things. I went up to one gentleman ad asked him what he would like. He answered "I need asun"......here was me with my face frozen in disbelief. A grown man who could not ask for things in a polite manner. I took a deep breath and dutifully went off to fetch the "needed" asun. When my little one says "mummy I need..." I tell her "baby, the only thing you need is God." I did not even get a 'Thank you' from him.

 

At my day job, I come across the "I need..." statement a lot. Only yesterday, Mr Koku says to me "Mrs Alebiosu do you have letter headed paper?" I answer "yes I do" he replies "I need". I'm thinking to myself "hmmmmn okay and....?" out loud I say "Mr Koku you haven't asked me for it. What you should say is 'May I please have one?'..." He took the correction in good faith. I did feel bad about schooling him. I hope I didn't sound pompous and arrogant. I like him that's why I bothered.

"May I", is one of the Magic words kids learn at Manners Matter. In my Etiquette classes, I hear the catchy tune the kids sing reciting the Magic Words learnt at school....it's up to me to teach them the appropriate places to use these words. It's important to do so, so its not just a catchy song but real life application.

"May I please sign off?"

Yeye Bush
...be Your Best Always!

YOUR HOME AND YOUR KIDS.

Picture the newly wed couple in their lovely home. A home that is well decorated. The Lady of the Manor loves her knick knacks. She has on display every souvenir and ornament she has ever collected on her trips around the world. Including all the mementos of affection from her new husband. Her precious Lalique sculpture she saved 5years for, takes pride of place in her collection.

Time passes, she conceives and 9 months down the road baby is born, baby starts to crawl, baby starts to hold on to things to walk....guess what is first to be put away from view....the knick knacks! And then the couple start to childproof their home. Lets face it our homes change once there is a new addition to the family. I remember an older cousin scolding me for not packing up all my lovely figurines once baby came.

However, I believe it is possible to teach your kids to respect the décor and the furnishings in the home. Let them know that the only play things they have are their toys. When you tidy up, clean or do chores encourage the kids to do them along with you...praise them lavishly and they will always want to help.

At Manners Matter we teach kids to respect their surroundings especially the décor and furnishings. Not to touch things without first asking for an adult's permission. Reminding them that feet belong on the floor not on the furniture. To tidy up after themselves and take pride in their surroundings.

Having a child does not have to mean automatically packing away all your lovely ornaments. Especially if looking at them brings you so much joy.You can have them on display in the home with your kids in it.


Yeye Bush
...be Your Best Always!
+2348025656122

ETIQUETTE FOR CHILDREN

As a mother, aunt and sibling I want the best for all children. The African proverb:

"it takes a village to raise a child" 

is even more relevant in today's world of megacities. Parents are busier than ever. Most working longer hours. Its a constant struggle to juggle work and home life. Statistics show that in the next 20 years, the close extended family units will be a thing of the past.

A lot of us are worried about the future of our children. In 99% of households the television is what socializes our children. Believe me when I tell you the messages being passed along are not wholesome. A few  examples...the story of the ordinary little girl who becomes a princess in a castle where she wears an amulet and casts spells, think about it, that's witchcraft, the popular mouse and cat, who they constantly torment each other. The young boy who has 10 spirits living in him, he can take on their persona when he turns the dial on his watch, that is what psychiatrics refer to as split personality disorder! Are  those who you want as your child's role models???
 

I don't know about you but I am NOT a super parent. I would rather watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta, where I drool over Nene's Loubitans or watch Kenya "twirl". I confess I finished watching Kandi's wedding special only last night. When my child is telling me about their day at school, my eyes glaze over....I need help as much as the next mum who is willing to admit it.

Then I thought to myself what if I  could create the Stepson's wives version of a child? One who would be kind and considerate not loud and demanding. One who listens to instructions the first time round, one who is helpful around the house...if only pigs could fly! However I know its possible to have a happy medium.
I did my research and enrolled in the prestigious International Etiquette and Protocol Academy of London. Past clients have included First Ladies of nations, Saudia Arabian Princes and Princesses and members of the British Royal family.

I qualified as an International Youth Etiquette Consultant. I acquired the skills to help you achieve your dreams for your children and reinforce the already excellent job you are doing. I lay emphasis on our unique Cultural identity to give it its rightful place in today's world.

I am qualified to offer a variety of programs to suit all children ages 4-17. Programs that help build the right character in your children. You will agree that excelling in academics is no longer sufficient, when last were you asked what the boiling point of water is? but  everyday you meet with people, have conversations with them and may need to sell your ideas or goods.
 
...No one wants the academically brilliant but socially inept child still living at home aged 40! Start Socializing your child the right way...sign up for Etiquette Classes. 

YeyeBush
...be Your Best Always!
+2348025656122.