SAN FRANCISCO, May 12, 2005

More Parents Outsourcing Etiquette

John Blackstone Reports On Recent Flourishing Of Etiquette Schools

  • Play CBS Video Video Parents Outsourcing Etiquette

    In an age of convenient consumerism, etiquette is often lost. But some families are trying to restore order, John Blackstone reports, and are even sending their kids to classes for manners.

    • Kids learn the fine points of tasteful dining. Photo

      Kids learn the fine points of tasteful dining.  (CBS)

    • Etiquette instructor Syndi Seid Photo

      Etiquette instructor Syndi Seid  (CBS)

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(CBS)  In an age when dining out often means dining out of a paper bag, it seems quaint that someone, somewhere is still teaching the finer points of etiquette.

But, as CBS News Correspondent John Blackstone reports, Syndi Seid's classes in San Francisco are part of a recent flourishing of etiquette schools across the country, teaching lessons that were once taught by parents.

So why aren't these rules already instilled at home?

"Because they're not around, I guess," says Seid.

For busy families, like the Plonskers, where both parents, Patricia and Jeff, work long hours, sending Joey, 17, and Pearl, 12, to etiquette school seemed a fast track to domestic order.

"I don't want to spend my time nitpicking them, but of course I won't let them throw rolls across the table," says Patricia Plonsker.

Or "shout with their mouth full or interrupt," says husband Jeff Plonsker.

At dinnertime, even Fred the family dog, is expected to mind his manners.

"The only way for him to be with us is to know the rules," says Patricia Plonsker.

Continued



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