Before you know it, holiday season will be here, and with the good cheer comes gifts and thank-yous and tips. Who gets what, and how can the kids get involved?

Encourage your child to make a gift for any professional who works with them, whether it is a teacher, bus driver, or babysitter. Not only will this personalize the holiday gift, it will also give your child responsibility and the early foundation for proper etiquette and protocol.

Standard holiday tips and gifts:

• •     Teacher: Check the school policy. Generally, a gift certificate to a bookstore, local restaurant, mall or even something home made.
• •     School Bus driver: Ask your child to hand make a gift.
• •     Coaches, tutors, etc.: A gift certificate or small item like a mug or frame
• •     Babysitter: 1 week's pay. Encourage your child to make a gift as well.
• •     Nanny/Au Pair: One week's pay. Ask your child to hand make a gift.
• •     Day care service: $25 and up. Encourage your child to make a gift as well.
• •     Private home nursing care worker: 1 week's pay
• •     Nursing home care worker: Depending how many there are in attendance, one day's pay
• •     Dog groomer: 1/2 of the price of a session
• •     Dog walker: 1 week's pay (average)
• •     Hairdresser/barber: $15 and up
• •     Manicurist/pedicurist: $5 and up

Remember, do only what you can afford. A personalized card of appreciation or a letter of recommendation to their supervisor goes a long way.

Bios:
Dr. Jodi Stoner holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has worked for over 30 years with families, individuals and couples in parenting, psychotherapy, and life transitions.

Ms. Lori Weiner is a Career Coach with more than 25 years experience as a Career Services Director. She worked as a National Director of Career Services overseeing 27 schools nationwide.

For more information on the authors and their book, Good Manners are Contagious, visit: goodmannersarecontagious.com.