This week's Mrs. McVeigh's Manners Themes of the Week are Entertaining and Gifts.

Ask your child the following questions about being good at Entertaining people in their home:

• Should your room be clean before you have someone over to your house?
  • Yes.
• If you are hungry is it okay to eat when you have a guest over?
  • Yes, as long as you offer the guest what you are eating (or drinking).
• If you serve someone food, how should it be served?
  • In a bowl, or on a plate. Never in its original container.

Ask your child the following questions about Gifts:

• If you receive a present that you already have, what should you say to the gift giver?
  • “Thank you.”
• If you receive a book for your birthday, and you wanted a doll, what should you say to the gift giver?
  • “Thank you.”
• If you receive a present that you do not like, what should you say to the gift giver?
  • “Thank you.”
• If you receive a present from someone, and you do not have one for him/her, what do you say?
  • “Thank you.” No need to say “Your gift is coming,” or “I am so embarrassed that I do not have one for you.” You are not obligated to give someone a gift, just because he/she has given you one.