Being a Teen is tough but it's tougher being a parent of one. The Australian Finishing School Teen Etiquette and Dining Programs combine to create a Swiss finishing School alternative in Australia, designed to give adolescents the social skills necessary to help them mature into confident and self-assured adults. The programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of this age group. They are highly interactive and fun, and are in harmony with the growing emphasis on character education and positive self-esteem. Here are some practical steps to help your teen learn good manners.

Receiving Gifts Game

Familiarise the teens with the proper way to show appreciation for a gift they've received. Have teenagers purchase and wrap inexpensive gifts such as socks or coffee mugs and put their name on it. Place all the gifts in a large pile. Have each teen pick a different gift from the pile and open the gift. Regardless of whether they like the gift, teens must still show appreciation. Tell the teens to go over to the teens who brought their gifts and say, "Thank you. I really appreciate your gift." The teen who brought the gift will then say, "You're welcome. I'm glad you do."

Proper Silverware Party

Encourage teens to dress in formal attire. According to a proper table setting chart, correctly set up plates and utensils on a large table. Have teens take a seat. Explain to teens what each utensil is and how it is properly used. For example, the utensils above the plate are used for dessert and the fork directly next to the plate on the left is the dinner fork. Serve a meal. Let teens test out the silverware skills they learned by eating their meal and using the proper utensils.

Telephone Manners Game

Teach teens how to properly ask for someone over the phone. Explain to teens they must first say hello, identify themselves and ask for the person they would like to speak to. For example, the teen would say, "Hello, this is Joshua. How are you? May I please speak to Malcolm?" Have teens divide into threes. The first teen will be the caller, the second teen will be the parent and the last teen will be the caller's friend. Have the caller use a cell phone to call the parent's home and properly ask for his friend.

Reference: Livestrong

In a similar vein as a Swiss finishing school, the Australian Finishing School course was created to give teenagers the social skills they need to help them become confident and self-assured young adults, with the skill set to cope and excel in any social or academic situation. Book your Teen for our young adult workshop.

https://www.australianfinishingschool.com/shop/just-for-teens