Five Days to Better Manners for Kids a FirstofitsKind Program in Europe



May 19, 2005 -- In response to parental requests, 8 months after launching France's first youth etiquette courses, Minding Manners will offer the first condensed etiquette and dining skills program as a one-week summer camp for children ages 8 - 12 and 13 - 17 years old. The interactive programs are a balance between traditional etiquette values and the contemporary social skills needed for children and teens to be successful in the global economy of the 21st century. The programs are a first of their kind in Europe and in harmony with the growing global emphasis on character education and positive self-esteem. International in scope, the programs are geared toward English-speaking participants. The programs will take place July 4 - 8. Minding Manners is located at 91, rue du Faubourg Saint Honor in Paris 8th.

The day-camps will focus on developing social skills, communication skills, leadership skills and increased self-confidence. In the private dining room of an upscale restaurant is where the young participants will participate in a 6-course dining tutorial luncheon to learn proper table manners and the art of navigating a formal place setting. "I never knew that learning good manners could be so much fun" confides Chloe Moncel, a 7-year-old former participant "and now I know what all of those forks are for, even the very little one."

"Etiquette helps children assume their place in the world by building character, confidence, and a respectful outlook, allowing them to learn to focus on others instead of themselves" explains Tamiko Zablith, a certified Youth Etiquette Consultant and the founder and director of Minding Manners. "It also gives them the needed social skills to succeed scholastically, personally, and later on professionally, because good manners build great leaders." All of Minding Manners programs emphasize etiquette principles that are tuned in to the realities of life in today's modern world. The summer programs will teach important social skills such as introducing yourself and others, making eye contact, handshaking and international greetings, conversation and listening skills, telephone etiquette, email and cell phone etiquette, dining skills, metro etiquette and much more. The programs are interactive, based on a hands-on workshop approach filled with role plays and group presentations.

"Many parents work very hard to instill good manners in their children, but when faced with the competition provided by certain media, negative youth role models and destructive electronic messages, the task is becoming more and more challenging. In response, Minding Manners youth programs are constructed to reinforce the positive efforts of concerned parents."

Minding Manners is a Paris-based etiquette and protocol consultancy offering international programs in Social and Business Etiquette and Protocol throughout Europe. Additional information is available at www.mindingmanners.com





Five Days to Better Manners for Kids a FirstofitsKind Program in Europe