Phoenix & Cool Joe’s Guide to Big Manners!
Hello, friends! Phoenix here, and you know my best buddy, Cool Joe! 🦙
We believe that learning manners is one of the most fun adventures you can have. It’s not about stuffy old rules. It's about being kind, feeling confident, and making everyone around you feel happy and respected. Sometimes, Cool Joe gets a little mixed up, but his silly mistakes are the best way to learn!
Here are some of our favorite lessons for becoming a manners superstar.
The Magic Words
This is lesson number one! Magic words are like little keys that unlock smiles and kindness from everyone.
Cool Joe’s Uh-Oh Moment: Sometimes Cool Joe gets so excited for a cookie that he just grabs it!
Phoenix’s Polite Tip: We always use our magic words! Try these: "Please," "Thank You," "No Thank You," "May I," and "Excuse me." They work like a charm every time!
Your Personal Space Bubble
Everyone has an invisible bubble around them called their personal space. It’s important to respect it!
Cool Joe’s Uh-Oh Moment: Cool Joe loves his friends so much that sometimes he gets right up in their face to tell them a story, which can feel a little uncomfortable.
Phoenix’s Polite Tip: We give our friends enough space to feel comfortable, just like a little bubble. We also remember that our body is our own, and we can ask others to respect our bubble, too. We never touch someone's face or body without asking.
Being a Great Guest (Especially with Grandparents!)
Our elders, like our grandparents, have so much love and so many amazing stories to share. It's super important to show them respect.
Cool Joe’s Uh-Oh Moment: When Cool Joe sees his grandparents, he gets so excited he sometimes tries to climb on them like a jungle gym or throws toys. He forgets that they might not have the same super-bouncy energy as he does!
Phoenix’s Polite Tip: We can show our love with gentle hugs and calm voices. We ask if they want to play a game or read a story with us instead of roughhousing. Showing respect makes them feel loved and happy.
Adventures in Dining!
The dinner table is one of the best places to practice our manners.
Cool Joe’s Uh-Oh Moment: Oh boy, Cool Joe has made a lot of silly mistakes here! He has tried to eat with his hands, talked with his mouth full of food, and put his elbows on the table like he was guarding his plate!
Phoenix’s Polite Tip: Mealtime is a team sport! We sit at the table together with no toys or tablets. We talk about our day, chew with our mouths closed, and use a napkin instead of our sleeves. And if we want something, we politely ask someone to pass it instead of reaching across the table.
Being Polite in a Private Way
Our bodies are special and private. We should treat them that way.
Cool Joe’s Uh-Oh Moment: Cool Joe once thought it was okay to change into his swimming trunks right in the living room when company was over!
Phoenix’s Polite Tip: We are all people who deserve privacy. When we need to change our clothes, we go to a private room like a bedroom or bathroom. It’s also important to be dressed in a top and bottom when we have guests, just to show respect for them and for ourselves.
How to Say Hello!
Meeting new people can sometimes feel a little scary, but a great greeting makes it easy.
Cool Joe’s Uh-Oh Moment: Sometimes Cool Joe gets shy and just looks at the floor when he meets someone new.
Phoenix’s Polite Tip: Just remember the "3 S's": Smile, Stand Tall, and Say Your Name clearly. Making eye contact and even giving a friendly handshake shows confidence and kindness.
A Few More Awesome Manners!
- Knock on a closed door before you enter.
- Hold the door open for the person behind you.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Don’t point or stare at people, it can make them uncomfortable.
- Wait for a pause in the conversation instead of interrupting.
When you practice these simple things, you are doing more than just being polite. You are spreading kindness wherever you go, and that is the most important manner of all!