(Social Emotional Learning Skills That Actually Stick) We Reset Goals — But Forget Behavior January is full of good intentions. We reset our schedules. We reset our routines. We reset our goals. But what rarely gets reset? The way we show up socially. Tone. Timing. Listening. Interrupting. Reacting quickly instead of thoughtfully. And those small habits — not the big, dramatic moments — are what quietly shape our relationships all year long. Why Micro-Skills Matter More Than

“Just try harder next time.” It sounds reasonable. Responsible, even. And yet… it rarely works. As adults, we often default to phrases like do better , make better choices , or you know better than that  — especially when kids (or teens) repeat the same behaviors we’ve already addressed. But here’s the truth most people don’t realize: Wanting to do better and knowing how  to do better are two very different things. And kids — even well-intentioned ones — are often missing the

The holiday season is a time for giving, but navigating gift-giving gracefully can be tricky. Whether it’s for family, friends,...

Teaching children good manners isn’t just about saying “please” and “thank you” - it’s about instilling respect, kindness, and confidence that they carry into every interaction. As parents, caregivers, or educators, we have a unique opportunity to guide kids in developing social skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Here’s how to make etiquette both fun and effective for children. 1. Start With the Basics Begin with simple, foundational skills that children can unders

I was the kid who didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know how to make friends. I didn’t know how to set boundaries. And I definitely...

But Isn’t Etiquette... Outdated? When people hear “etiquette,” they often picture: Fork charts Stiff dinner parties Women being told to...

❌ The Problem with Time-Outs Time-outs are often the go-to move when a child hits, yells, or melts down. And sure—sometimes kids do  need...

This Was Supposed to Be for the Students She stood in front of her fourth-grade class, flipping through our module on apologizing...

“Be Kind” Isn’t Enough We’ve all seen the trendy t-shirts and classroom posters: In a world where you can be anything, be kind.  But if...

It's Not Just a Lesson—It's a Lifestyle We designed the Poised & Proper SEL curriculum to be simple, interactive, and impactful. But...

Words Create Connection—Or Distance Whether you're leading a team, managing a classroom, talking to your teen, or ordering lunch with...

(Hint: It’s Way More Than Please & Thank You) The Curriculum That’s Turning Heads (and Opening Hearts) Let’s get one thing straight:...

Why a Social Skills Curriculum for Elementary Students Works When you walk into a classroom, you can usually feel the energy within...

This is a real story from a Poised & Proper parent, shared with permission and lightly edited for clarity. Names have been changed to...

We all want our kids to succeed — to read fluently, solve equations, and understand the world around them. But here’s the truth: academic...

Ah, the family road trip — a classic summertime adventure filled with scenic highways, snack stops, and spontaneous singalongs… and...

As the school year winds down and summer camps, vacations, and family barbecues ramp up, so do the social opportunities for kids and...

Whether it's a board game, a soccer match, or a school competition, kids are bound to experience both the thrill of victory and the sting...

Birthday parties — they come in all shapes, sizes, and ages . Whether you’re attending a toddler’s princess-themed bash, a teen’s...

Taking a driving test is a big milestone for teens. It’s a blend of nerves, excitement, and a touch of "I really hope I don’t hit that...