http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php Copyright 2008, Elise McVeigh's Elise McVeigh's en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.6.1 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081120-081406 I was wondering who starts eating first at the dinner table? Hayden

Dear Hayden,
The hostess (who is the female of the house) starts eating first. She does this after everyone is served, and has his or her napkin on his or her lap. After the hostess takes her first bite, everyone else can pick up his or her fork, and start eating. If the female of the house is not present, than any other lady may start eating after the host gives the go ahead. If it is all males at the table, then the host (the male of the house) should pick up his fork first.]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081120-081406 Elise McVeigh's Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:14:06 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081120-081406 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081119-164016 I keep on asking the same friend to come over to my house, and she never says yes. Would it be rude to ask her why?
Upset Kid

Dear Upset Kid,
Your friend may want to come over, but may not be able to for a lot of reasons, that she may not be comfortable discussing, or that is not in her control. I would stop asking her for now, and ask her again in a few months. Hopefully you will continue to be friends, and she will be able to say yes after some time has passed.]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081119-164016 Elise McVeigh's Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:40:16 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081119-164016 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081118-130704 I am told all the time that I should not use bad words, but when I go to my friends, I get to hear them all the time, and there, the parents are ok with it. I don't understand how something which is true at home is not true in someone else's house. If my friend can use them, are my or their parents wrong?

Mrs. McVeigh's Answer:
Using bad words is not a polite (or cool) thing to do. When adults use bad words, they appear to be unintelligent, and when kids use bad words, they appear to be disrespectful towards adults. The adults in your life are right to ask you not to use bad language. The parents of your friends who are okay with bad language are not doing your friends any favor. They are missing a great opportunity to teach their kids respect for them, and for other adults and kids.
]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081118-130704 Elise McVeigh's Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:07:04 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081118-130704 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081117-101825 My daughter has entered middle school this past year, and a long-time friend of hers told my daughter that she only wants to be friends with her outside of school, but not at school. This “friend’s” reason is because she claims she is now hanging out with the popular crowd, and my daughter is not. My dilemma is I am good friends with the mom, and I am not sure if I should say anything or not
Unsure Mom

Dear Unsure Mom,
I am sure your daughter has made a lot of new friends, and encouraging her to pursue and grow those friendships is where she should put her time and energy. I would say stay friends with the mom if you really like this woman, but do not go out of your way to get the girls together, and do not say anything to this mother about how rude her daughter has become. She will figure it out on her own soon enough. If the mom ever questions you about you not getting the girls together, simply tell her that your daughters are making new friends, and your daughter does not feel like she fits in with her daughter’s new friends, and your girls are probably just growing apart.

]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081117-101825 Elise McVeigh's Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:18:25 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081117-101825 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081114-113739 What should I do if people call me a show off, but I am just trying hard?
From,
Frito Man

Dear Frito Man,
Good for you for trying so hard. Not enough people give everything they do as much effort as you do! Next time someone makes that comment, stop what you are doing, and ask him or her to explain what they mean. You can then tell them that it took a lot of effort for you to learn what you just did, and they too could do what you are doing, if they try as hard as you do.

If you are being unsportsmanlike, and putting your arms up in victory, that is showing off. When you accomplish something, like making a goal in soccer, run back to your spot, and get ready to start playing again. If you do not make a big deal about your accomplishments, then other kids should leave you alone. Also, make a big deal when those calling you a show-off accomplish something. They will then feel better about themselves, and will hopefully stop being jealous of you. Do not let other people’s comments stop you from doing your best. Just be aware of how you act when you do something great.

]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081114-113739 Elise McVeigh's Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:37:39 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081114-113739 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081113-074644 My cousins are mad at me for something I did so long ago, and now they don’t trust me. How do I fix this?
Worrying One

Dear Worrying One,
Go to your cousins, and tell them how badly you feel that they no longer trust you. Give them examples of how much you have grown, and that you were so young when the incident happened. I am sure what you did was typical of your age, so tell them that now you are almost in 4th grade, you obviously deserve their trust. If they will not listen to you, ask your parents to help you talk to them.
]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081113-074644 Elise McVeigh's Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:46:44 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081113-074644 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081112-084755 My friend told me my other friend was talking about me and I know that this is true. What should I do?
-Friend Problem

Dear Friend Problem,
Although it will not feel comfortable, you need to confront the friend who spoke about you. I do not suggest telling him/her the name of the friend who reported this to you, because that could cause an even bigger issue among the three of you. Also, tell the first friend your intentions of confronting your mutual friend. Assure him that you are not going to reveal his name, and explain how much this is bothering you.

When confronting the second friend, tell him how you feel. Tell him that it hurt your feelings, or that what he said is not even true, or whatever the circumstance is. The biggest point that you should make is that next time this person needs to tell you what he is bothered by, and not someone else.
]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081112-084755 Elise McVeigh's Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:47:55 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081112-084755 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081111-111305 Elise]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081111-111305 Elise McVeigh's Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:13:05 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081111-111305 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081111-103109 What if my friend told me something that I knew was a lie? I don’t know if I should trust her anymore. What should I do?
-Elle

Dear Elle,
It is hard when confronting a friend, but making it clear to your friend that lying to you is not acceptable may be the only way that your friendship can be strong, and continue. Ask her why she lied to you, and then decide if you think you can trust her anymore. If not, keep a friendly distance, and move on to other friendships that are out there waiting for you. You deserve a friend who is honest with you, and that you feel that you can trust 100%.
]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081111-103109 Elise McVeigh's Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:31:09 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081111-103109 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081110-130135 Elise McVeigh]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081110-130135 Elise McVeigh's Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:01:35 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081110-130135 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081110-125747 What if a bully walks up to you and says, “Give me your money?”
Superstar

Dear Superstar,
How to handle a bully is one of the topics that I teach to kids in my manners curriculum, because I know it is such a big problem for kids. First off, if you feel like you are in real danger, find an adult right away. Otherwise, you want to stick up for yourself, but not get in trouble at school while defending yourself. If someone asks you for money, tell him or her that you have to go get it, and will be right back. You can then stand near a teacher, and the bully should stop bothering you. Another solution, tell the bully that you do not have any.

If someone ever threatens to hurt you, use your meanest voice and tell him to leave you alone. You need to practice looking confident when saying this. Stare the person down, and they should walk away.

If you feel like it would help the situation, ask an adult to talk to the bully, and/or the bully’s teacher or parents. Let your parents know that you are being bothered, and they will advise you on how they want you to handle it.

]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081110-125747 Elise McVeigh's Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:57:47 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081110-125747 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081107-123444 If your dad always likes spending time with out, how do you get him to let you see your friends more often, without hurting his feelings?
Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,
How lucky you are that your dad wants to spend time with you. If you feel like you are missing out on seeing your friends, ask your dad if a friend can come along with the two of you sometimes. This is a compromise that hopefully works for both of you.
]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081107-123444 Elise McVeigh's Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:34:44 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081107-123444 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081106-081250 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081106-081250 Elise McVeigh's Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:12:50 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081106-081250 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081106-081121 My cousins are mad at me for something I did so long ago, and now they don’t trust me. How do I fix this?
Worrying One

Dear Worrying One,
Go to your cousins, and tell them how badly you feel that they no longer trust you. Give them examples of how much you have grown, and that you were so young when the incident happened. I am sure what you did was typical of your age, so tell them that now you are almost in 4th grade, you obviously deserve their trust. If they will not listen to you, ask your parents to help you talk to them.
]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081106-081121 Elise McVeigh's Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:11:21 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081106-081121 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081105-124924 ]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081105-124924 Elise McVeigh's Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:49:24 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081105-124924 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081105-124759 mrs.mcveigh@sbcglobal.net!
Mrs. McVeigh]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081105-124759 Elise McVeigh's Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:47:59 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081105-124759 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081105-101418
Dear Mrs. McVeigh,
We like your blog for kids, and will send you a question soon.
Griffin and brothers]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081105-101418 Elise McVeigh's Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:14:18 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081105-101418 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081105-082854 When my uncle watches sports he gets loud and hits things. I am afraid that he is going to hit me or my brothers. I’m not used to telling him to stop. What should I do?
Afraid

Dear Afraid,
When I read this question to Mr. McVeigh, he said you should always root for the team that your uncle is rooting for, so he does not hit you. He probably just looks like he is into the game, and he loves you and your brothers, and would never hit you. If you still think that he may get violent, what I suggest is to talk to your uncle about it, when the television is not on, so you do not disturb him while he is wrapped up in the game. Afterwards at the dinner table you could say, “Uncle Dave, you must be a huge Cowboys fan. You sure do get mad when they do not do well. You wouldn’t hit an innocent kid, would you?” He hopefully will laugh, and then realize that he is being too physically emotional about the game. If his behavior does not stop, try getting your parents to talk to him. If that does not work, keep a distance from him, just in case.
]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081105-082854 Elise McVeigh's Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:28:54 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081105-082854 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081103-160033
Dear Mrs. McVeigh,
If someone is being mean to your friend, what should you say to them?
Elle

Dear Elle,
If someone is being mean to your friend, point it out to the person who is saying the mean thing in a nice and in a light-hearted way. This way you are not being too confrontational. For example, if someone tells your friend she does not like her outfit, you could say, “Oh Sarah, I know you do not mean that. We both know that “friend” always wears such cute outfits. I love her outfit, and yours is cute too.” You can then change the subject. This way you are being nice to both girls, and helping out the mean person, by showing her how to be nicer, and sticking up for your friend. Setting a good example is a way to show others how to have good manners.
]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry081103-160033 Elise McVeigh's Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:00:33 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081103-160033 http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080211-175645 Hope it helps. Let me know. Check back here daily for more tips on manners and organization, and for more free downloads.
Elise McVeigh]]> http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/?entry=entry080211-175645 Elise McVeigh's Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:56:45 GMT http://www.elisemcveigh.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080211-175645