A Must-Read Guide for Raising Polite Kids: “52 Modern Manners for Kids” by Brooke Romney

Introduction: Why Manners Matter More Than Ever

In a world where screens often replace face-to-face interactions and social norms shift rapidly, teaching kids good manners can feel like an uphill battle. Enter 52 Modern Manners for Kids by Brooke Romney—a refreshing, practical, and engaging guide that makes etiquette lessons both fun and meaningful for children (and their parents!).

Romney doesn’t just regurgitate old-school rules like “don’t chew with your mouth open.” Instead, she addresses modern dilemmas—how to behave on video calls, what to do when someone is being unkind online, and why gratitude still matters in a digital age. This book is a lifeline for parents who want to raise kind, confident, and socially aware kids.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or educator, this book offers actionable advice that feels relevant, not rigid. Let’s dive into why 52 Modern Manners for Kids deserves a spot on your shelf.

What’s Inside? A Detailed Summary

Brooke Romney structures the book into 52 bite-sized lessons—one for each week of the year—making it easy to integrate into busy family life. Each chapter focuses on a specific skill, from basic table manners to navigating social media with kindness.

Some standout topics include:

  • “The Magic Words (And When to Use Them)” – Reinforcing “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” in real-life scenarios.
  • “How to Be a Good Guest (And Host)” – Teaching kids to respect others’ homes and belongings.
  • “Handling Awkward Situations Gracefully” – What to do when you forget someone’s name or receive a gift you don’t like.
  • “Digital Decorum” – Why texting in full sentences and avoiding oversharing matter.

Romney avoids preachiness, instead framing manners as tools for building confidence and strong relationships. The book is interactive, with discussion prompts and role-playing exercises that make learning dynamic.

Character & Development: More Than Just Rules

While 52 Modern Manners for Kids isn’t a novel, Romney’s approach gives “character” to each lesson. She writes as a warm mentor rather than a strict disciplinarian, using relatable anecdotes from her own parenting journey.

For example, she shares a story about her son learning to write thank-you notes—not because he was forced to, but because he saw how it made others feel appreciated. These personal touches make the advice feel authentic, not theoretical.

Kids aren’t just passive recipients here; they’re encouraged to think critically about why manners matter. Romney’s tone is inclusive, acknowledging that mistakes happen and growth is a process.

Writing Style: Clear, Engaging, and Practical

Romney’s writing is conversational and accessible—no stuffy etiquette jargon here. She breaks down each lesson with:

  • Real-world examples (e.g., how to politely decline extra dessert at a friend’s house).
  • Step-by-step scripts (e.g., what to say when you need to interrupt a conversation).
  • Humorous asides that keep the mood light (because yes, kids will burp at the table).

Her approach is positive reinforcement over scolding. Instead of saying, “Don’t be rude,” she frames manners as “ways to show respect and make others feel valued.”

Themes & Deeper Meaning: Beyond “Please and Thank You”

At its core, 52 Modern Manners for Kids is about empathy and emotional intelligence. Romney emphasizes that manners aren’t about rigid rules—they’re about:

  • Building confidence (knowing what to do in social situations reduces anxiety).
  • Strengthening relationships (people remember kindness).
  • Navigating modern challenges (like group chats or multicultural gatherings).

One powerful theme is “manners as a superpower”—kids who master these skills stand out in a world where courtesy is often overlooked.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stuck With Me

As a parent, I’ve read my share of etiquette guides, but this one actually worked with my kids. The weekly format kept lessons manageable, and the real-life scenarios sparked great dinnertime discussions.

My 10-year-old loved the chapter on “How to Handle Boredom Politely” (no more complaining at family events!). Even my teenager admitted the digital etiquette tips were useful.

Romney’s emphasis on gratitude and kindness—not just rote rules—made the biggest impact. My kids started writing thank-you notes without prompting, and they’re more mindful of how their actions affect others.

Comparison to Other Etiquette Books

Most manners books fall into two categories:

  1. Strict, old-fashioned guides (think Emily Post) that feel out of touch with modern kids.
  2. Overly simplistic lists that don’t explain the “why” behind the rules.

52 Modern Manners for Kids strikes the perfect balance—traditional values with a contemporary twist. It’s more relatable than A Kids’ Guide to Manners by Katherine Flannery but more structured than How to Raise Kind Kids by Thomas Lickona.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Practical and actionable – Every lesson includes clear steps.
✅ Engaging for kids – Interactive elements keep them interested.
✅ Modern relevance – Addresses tech, diversity, and current social dynamics.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Could use more visuals – Some kids might prefer illustrations or charts.
❌ Repetitive for very young kids – Best for ages 7+, though parents can adapt for younger ones.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is perfect for:

  • Parents who want to teach manners without nagging.
  • Teachers looking for classroom-friendly social skills lessons.
  • Grandparents who want to bond over timeless values.
  • Kids ages 7-14 (though younger ones can benefit with parental help).

Memorable Quotes & Passages

“Manners aren’t about being perfect—they’re about being thoughtful.”

“The way you treat people online is just as important as how you treat them in person.”

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

Final Verdict: A Modern Must-Have

Brooke Romney’s 52 Modern Manners for Kids is the best etiquette guide I’ve found for today’s generation. It’s practical, engaging, and rooted in kindness—not stuffy rules. Whether you’re teaching basic politeness or navigating digital dilemmas, this book is a game-changer.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • Which manners do you think are most overlooked today?
  • How do you teach kids digital etiquette in your home?
  • What’s one lesson from this book you wish all kids would learn?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!

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