The Goops Gazette

Family life today is very different with everyone somehow getting so terribly busy. However, having dinner together as a family unit is still essential. Sitting down together at the dinner table gives the family special time for sharing and appreciating one another.

There are two important reasons families should share this time. Exchanging news of their activities and ideas is important, as well as the opportunity to teach and practice table manners and polite behavior. Due to the fact good manners take effort, children should be repeatedly reminded to be proper in such a way as not to interfere with pleasant family conversation and the chance to have a good laugh together.

My family was raised with the Goops and this gave us a humorous frame of reference to deal with correction. Instead of a defensive reaction, the family could share a smile. “You are being a Goop,” or “don’t be a Goop,” made the point clear, and seemed a kind and more easily accepted method of reproach.

Basic table manners should be constantly employed so they become automatic. This takes as many family meals together as possible each week. Promotion of good manners may be the best gift you could give your child. In turn, the child feels alive with a healthy sense of self esteem.

The dinner table should be a happy time together and the effort is well worth it. You can never serve up too much love.

“The Goops they lick their fingers,
The Goops they lick their knives,
They spill their broth on the tablecloth,
Oh they lead disgusting lives!”