The Super Bowl is here, and you are off to watch the big game with some friends.  Even though Super Bowl parties are typically casual, it does not mean that you do not want to remember your good manners.  Here are some things to keep in mind for the Sunday game.

            Always ask what you can bring when going to a party.  If the party is being thrown by a couple, I suggest finding out who is doing the planning and cooking, and ask that person directly what to bring.    If you are told nothing, still bring some kind of gift, such as flowers (already in a vase), or a bottle of wine in a gift bag with a gift tag.  That way your hosts know the wine is a gift and can be consumed whenever they choose.  If they tell you the party is BYOB, make sure you bring enough for more than just you, and offer to leave what is left over with your hosts. 

            When arriving at the party, ask your hosts if there is anything you can do to help.  Then get direction of what room they prefer you spend time in.  Some hosts want to get everyone out of the kitchen, so try to respect their wishes.  When eating at the party, get a plate for your food.  It is considered bad manners to stand over the food and eat.  Also remember not to double dip.  To avoid this put any sauce on your plate, so you can have your own.  If your host does not have a spoon to scoop the sauce, feel free to ask for one. 

            During the game try to be respectful of fans cheering for the other team. Also watch your volume during the game.  Cheering is fine, but getting too loud and physical during a game in someone else’s home can come across as obnoxious.  After the game is over, offer to help clean up, and do not linger too long.  People have to go to work and school the next day, so make an exit as soon as possible. 

 If I go to the grocery store and my kids are at home, I can guarantee they will call me.  I answer it in case it is a life-threatening situation, such as “My brother said something mean.” When I do take a call I try to make it brief, and tell the caller that I need to get off the phone because I am in a public place, and will call him back from the car.   Especially when I am checking out at a store, I feel like I am being rude to the cashier if I am on the phone.  He or she is trained to say hello, and at the end to tell me to have a good day.  I feel rude if he is trying to speak to me and I am on the phone.

            If you are speaking to a salesperson or checking out and your phone rings, try to wait to answer the call until you are in the car.  If you feel like you have to answer it, excuse yourself and apologize to the cashier before saying hello.  If you are on the phone while in line, try to wrap the call up quickly before it is your turn.  If you cannot, then apologize to the cashier as soon as you hang up.  Cashiers deserve your attention and respect, so an apology or an “excuse me” are in order.

            I have a friend who really dislikes it when people have a Blue Tooth earpiece in, and talk in a store.  You at first think the person is talking to you, and then you realize they are making no sense whatsoever, and then you see the earpiece.  Spotting the earpiece then saves you from calling security about a crazy stranger who is trying to hold a conversation with you.  Don’t look like that crazy stranger… try to stay off of your phone.

 Every year people typically set goals or have New Year’s Resolutions. One to consider is teaching your children good sportsmanship.  We have all seen the extreme cases of crazy parents who get into a knock-down, drag-out fight over a child’s ball game.  That is what those are – extreme examples.  I am talking about working with your children to help them learn good manners by demonstrating good sportsmanship in many small ways.

         Guide your child on how to show respect and appreciation to his coach(es).  This can be done by getting to the practice on time, or have your child apologize if he is late. Also have your child thank his coach after every practice and every game.

After every game and practice, encourage your child to continue or correct his interaction with his teammates.  Make sure he is not a ball hog, or does not try to steal the ball from his own teammates. Also pay attention to his words and language when in earshot.  Be aware if he is saying appropriate things, and is not harsh with criticisms of his teammates.  Redirect his winning spirit by giving him suggestions on how to encourage and motivate his teammates to succeed.

After the games, correct your child if he starts to accuse the other team or referee of cheating or being unfair.  Tell them that it sounds like they are being poor sports or poor losers.  Not every call will go their way, and it will all even out in the end.  Also make sure they are courteous to the other team’s players.  No negative verbal exchanges or unfair physical activity should be tolerated.

Lastly, the best way to teach your children good sportsmanship is to display it yourself.  Route your child on while standing on the sidelines, but try to refrain from being too obnoxious about it.  Also try to keep the conversation positive afterwards, even when you think something was unfair.  If it is obvious to your child that someone did show poor sportsmanship, then use it as a teaching opportunity to show what not to do when in that situation.