Modern Kids… Need Modern Manners (but they still need manners!)

By Smarty Guest Blogger, Allison Andrews

In many ways, today’s generation of kids have a lot more to deal with than we did as kids. There are tougher academic standards. There is more pressure to achieve. The digital world is a double edged sword. Social media can be both a blessing and a curse. But those are exactly the reasons why manners are more important than ever. Research shows people with good manners have more confidence, make and keep friends easier, and enjoy more business success. Manners can even improve a child’s chances to get into college.

Davidson mom and etiquette expert Aimee Symington says somewhere along the line basic courtesies seem to have been forgotten. Expressions like ‘please, thank you and you’re welcome’ have become as rare as Atari video systems. Thank you notes are.. What’s a thank you note? And kids barely look adults in the eye when they talk. That is, if they can stop texting long enough to actually talk.

So Symington has developed a new interactive class to teach kids the social skills that can give tweens an edge in a competitive world. It’s called Impressions: A Modern Cotillion for a new generation.

The word cotillion likely conjures up images of southern debutantes in long gloves and gowns and young men in tuxes wishing they were somewhere else. Well forget that. Symington knows kids have bigger concerns than what to wear to a dance… but that doesn’t mean they don’t still need a few lessons in fostering kindness and respect in the world.

Impressions promises to leave out the old fashioned stuffiness of the traditional cotillion. It is for rising fifth, sixth and seventh graders. The class incorporates multi-media, games, group activities and a formal party.

Among the topics it will cover:

– Table manners and dining etiquette
– Confident introductions
– Polite greeting skills and making small talk
– Cell phone etiquette
– Social media manners
– How to show respect and kindness to peers and adults
– Communicating confidence and charisma
– How to dance the shag and the waltz

For more information on Impressions:

The Impressions™ class will be held in Huntersville in September at the Birkdale Golf Club. Another class will be offered in Charlotte in October at Carmel Country Club. Classes are limited. For more information go to www.FinesseWorldwide.com.