MANNERS MATTER

Manners Begin at Breakfast Revised and Updated Edition by Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, Foreword by Tory Burch, Introduction by Dr. Perri Klass, Illustrations by Nicholas Child (Vendome)

While social media and related technologies continue to upend long-established norms associated with good manners, many parents find themselves trying harder than ever to instill in their children an appreciation for respectful behavior. Heeding the call for such guidance, Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece has produced an updated version of her earlier primer; this should be mandatory reading for parents and children. “My hope is that the guidelines I offer here set a good example for our children, and help them to lead a real life filled with human interaction, rather than a virtual one,” writes the Princess. Re the importance of sharing time at a dining table, she says: “The family table is a place where children develop not only healthy eating habits but also good manners and conversational skills. Carving out time each morning to have breakfast with your family creates a structure both nurturing and stabilizing.” That first meal of the day is the most important. —Roger Harris