Manners Begin at Breakfast: Modern Etiquette for Families Revised and Updated Edition

by Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, Tory Burch (Foreword), Dr. Perri Klass (Introduction)

Princess Marie-Chantal’s perennial, must-have parenting resource for the modern age, now fully revised and updated

“Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, knows a thing or two about manners. (Queen Elizabeth II was a guest at her wedding.) But when it came to writing Manners Begin at Modern Etiquette for Families, she leaned on her experiences as a New Yorker, sister, daughter, mother of five, and founder of an incredibly charming children’s line, as much as her decades of navigating royal politesse.” –Goop

The founder of a successful children’s clothing line, author of an influential parenting blog, and mother of five children, Marie-Chantal of Greece is constantly asked how she manages to do it all. So many of these queries—about proper etiquette for children in our fast-paced, technology-centered world—led her to recognize the need for a modern handbook on children’s manners. First published in 2020, Manners Begin at Breakfast addresses rules of etiquette, including table manners, social media, fashion dos and don’ts, and party conversation. Covering children from infants to teens, it is an essential guide for all parents keen to raise polite, well-rounded children, equipped to thrive in society and develop into confident, successful adults. This updated edition captivates and enlightens, adding new insights on parenting in a post-pandemic world. By popular demand, each chapter is now peppered with delightful anecdotes and personal stories from Marie-Chantal’s experience putting her own advice into practice. Adorned with charming, specially commissioned illustrations and a fresh updated introduction by leading pediatrician Dr. Perri Klass, Manners Begin at Breakfast is the quintessential guide to propriety for the modern family.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

232 pages, Hardcover

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie Duncan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly common sense but expressed from a very privileged viewpoint. The concepts are relevant regardless of wealth but I did not relate to the manner and examples that were presented.

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An alternative title of the book could be "how to raise emotionally intelligent children". Common sense tips but even several adults don't seem to be aware of them. Cute illustrations.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book group. Read mostly at work.

This was a cute quick read. I liked the illustrations and short snippets, but the print was often light and small making it hard for older eyes to read. (I heard that the Kindle version was also difficult due to the formatting and lighter font colors.) And while I don't agree with all of her etiquette suggestions, I do agree that training children in good behavior enhances their interactions and those they interact with. Knowing how to act/behave in various situations builds confidence and lowers anxiety. I'm all for teaching manners and having having (age appropriate) expectations for children. This is a good place to start a family dialogue.

That said; white girl much? from money? need to keep repeating that? Also, having 5 children does not distinguish you much in my circles, so stop humble-bragging about the size of your family. Clearly this was re-written from blog posts (not my favorite), which showed sometimes. 3.5 stars

I might would add this to the Mother School curriculum, just to get parents thinking/talking.

[Manal · Rating 1 out of 5]

My main issue with the book was with the illustrations : it lacked diversity. Although hanukkah was mentioned once or twice , the book is mostly destined to white christian communities. There was no mention of muslim holidays etiquette , no drawing of anyone with a keski (sikh headscarf ) or even a hijab or a kippah.
The book was also repetitive at some points : saying thank you and please , keep eye contact etc..

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A hodge-podge of (mostly common sense) tips - I wasn’t surprised to find this was a spinoff of a blog. The illustrations were cute though.

[Ginger Newingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, quick read with modern etiquette and best practices. An Emily Post of today.
The illustrations were darling as well.

[Kayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Danette · Rating 2 out of 5]

2025 A book by a female author