Beyond the reading, writing and arithmetic a homeschool mom also teaches etiquette to her children. Since many homeschooled children socialize in smaller circles they may not get the chance to practice etiquette on a regular basis. Many homeschooled children socialize in large circles yet etiquette training is just as important as they pick up bad habits.
Recently my daughter had a birthday party. We are homeschoolers who are busy yet our circle is not the largest. My first grader had been to several birthday parties in the past but this would be the first one for her. She was very excited about the prospect of playing with her friends, eating cake and ice cream, picking the decorations and opening presents. This was her day to be a princess and she was looking forward to it. What she did not realize is that princesses who are well trained in etiquette and want to continue to have birthday parties need to think of their guests with high regard. A talk about party hostess etiquette was on the agenda.
Talk to every guest individually: I told my daughter that I wanted her to talk to every guest individually. Since the party had quite a few guests this conversation was to be short and basically a greeting.
Interact with everyone: My daughter has a few friends who wanted to spend their time solely with her and sit with her. Before the party I explained to her that she needed to be fair with her attention. I did not want to see her talking to only a few guests and sitting with those same guests. She needs to be a social butterfly and make every guest feel welcome and special.
Be thankful for the gift not the contents of the gift: My daughter had strong ideas on what she wanted for her birthday. I explained to her that she should be thankful for the gift before opening it. A gift is a symbol of love and sacrifice on the part of the giver and that alone demands gratitude. No fussy faces if the gift is not one she did not want or liked. The gift was beautiful because the sentiment was beautiful.
Say goodbye and thank you to each individual: Just as you greet everyone individually you are to say goodbye and thank each guest for their attendance when they leave.
Being a gracious hostess will make the party a success for everyone.