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Etiquette Classes For Kids In NY, NJ, Conn.


I have always believed a big part of my job as a parent is to turn my sometimes wild, willful preschoolers into courteous, civilized humans over the course of their childhoods. It starts with the little things like "please" and "thank you," but over the years each little lesson hopefully leads to a polite, well-mannered, respectful adult that is well-liked by his or her peers. However, this can be a really tall order for any parent! Fortunately, we live in New York where experts can help us with etiquette necessities. Check out these classes all over the tri-state area. By Carolyn Pravda.

Socialskilz


24 Union Square East
New York, New York 10003
(212)579-5300
info@socialsklz.com
socialsklz.com

One of the coolest programs in the area, Socialskilz offers programs for ages four through adults. Children learn the basics of good social skills through interactive games, role-playing, and mini-excursions. They have programs in Union Square, the Upper East Side and Westchester.

The Metropolitan Center for Etiquette and Protocol

84-17 Homelawn street
Jamaica, NY 11432
(718)297-7557
nyfrenchsummercamp.com/default.html

The program focuses on socialization and is designed to increase confidence and self-esteem. Students will learn Proper Introductions, Correct Handshakes, Eye contact, Dining skills, Telephone Etiquette, Thank You Notes, Conversation skills, Posture, Interview skills, What to wear, Fashion Tips and so much more.

Truly Refined

Flushing, NY
(646) 586-1806

This program teaches both children and adults the fundamentals of social etiquette and dining skills. Fun-filled interactive sessions utilize an updated approach to re-introduce the importance of proper conduct for all in any and every situation.

The Development and Finishing Institute


(212) 426-3209
thedfinstitute.com

This is an etiquette and finishing school for girls and young women ages 5 to 18 years old. The program is a not-for-profit foundation that focuses on bringing etiquette to everyone across the city. Classes are held at Columbia University.

The Image & Etiquette Institute of New Jersey

1275 15th Street
Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
(201) 886-2513
rrolan@imageandetiquette.com
imageandetiquette.com

The institute offers an extensive range of classes that include charm classes, beauty pageant training as well as etiquette classes. Programs begin accepting kids when they are eleven years old.

The New York School of Etiquette & Protocol

NY School of Etiquette and Protocol
(Credit: Keith Stevenson)

520 White Plains Road
Suite 500
Tarrytown, NY 10591
(888) 487-1562
teachmetosucceed.org

The school offers interactive programs that focus on more than etiquette—students learn the essential life and social skills that build self-esteem, self-respect, and respect for others. Programs are available for young children, teenagers, and adults in an individual or group environment.

Alice Austin House


2 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10305
(718) 816-4506 x 10
EAAusten@aol.com
aliceausten.org

At a time when children spend more time with computers than with people, the museum offers classes in social etiquette, communications skills, and table manners. Students learn such basic skills as introductions, common courtesies, telephone etiquette, and how to set a table.

Always Gracious – The Academy of Etiquette and Charm


Long Island, NY
(516) 593-3817
alwaysgracious@optonline.net
alwaysgracious.com

The academy is a bilingual (English/Spanish) institution that offers general etiquette, table manners and image & style classes to children, teens and adults.

Finally, I read an article in the New York Times when my son was just a baby that said the only parenting advice book I really needed was Miss Manners' Guide to Rearing Perfect Children by Judith Martin. Intrigued by this bold statement, I went out a bought a copy and found it to be an excellent guide – both humorous and helpful in my journey to civilize my crazy kids!
For more from The Best Of New York, follow us on Twitter!
Carolyn Pravda blogs at Mama Threads.
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