We’re Having GuestsSometimes it can be confusing to know how to greet someone you don’t know well. For example, how should you react when your parents’ friends visit? And what should you do if they bring their children with them?

Here are some tips to help you in greeting visitors when your parents have guests over.To show a polite interest in people takes effort, but you will find that it is well worth it.

Tips for greeting your parents’ friends

If you are present when guests arrive, it's important that you also greet them. Doing so makes

the visitors feel comfortable and welcome.If you know the visitor’s name, it’s

nice to include that in your greeting.

Hi, I’m Nicole.

Can I take your coat?

Hello, I’m Aiden Daniels. And what’s your name,

young lady?

It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Daniels. My

name is Shelly.

If guests have been introduced to you as Mr. or Mrs., be sure to include that title in front of their name when you address them.

Remember to smile and look at the visitor while you are conversing.

If you would like to say something more, maybe you could comment on something that has been planned for the guest.

Nicole, this is Mrs. Rola.

It’s nice to meet you,

Mrs. Rola.

I’m so glad you are visiting. My mother made a nice dinner for

us—lomo saltado.1

And we want to sing a song

for you!

1 Lomo saltado: a Peruvian stir-fry meal of beef strips, along with French fries.

Tips for greeting the children of your parents’ friends who visit

Here are a few ways you can help them feel comfortable: As with adults, you should greet other children by introducing yourself and asking them their names.

Hi, I’m Ryan. What’s your

name?

I’m Jack. What’s your name?

Would you like to play?

It’s so fun to have you visit. I’m Shelly.

And you are…?

Do you like playing baseball? I’m Darren. What’s your name?

My name is Nicole. What’s your name? Do

you like to color?

After the initial greeting, you can possibly invite them to go with you to your room (or another place your parents have

arranged for you to go to) to play together.

If you have pets in a cage or aquarium, you can invite the visiting

children to see your pets.

Hi, I’m Ryan, and this is my younger brother, Jack. What’s

your name?

I’m Cedric.

Would you like to play in our room

with us?

We’re building LEGO spaceships.

Sure!

Sure!

Cute!

Sure!

We’re going to play baseball. Would

you like to join us?

Hi, I’m Trish. Thanks for

coming. Hi, I’m Melissa.

Meet Trudge.

Hi, I’m Nicole. Would you like to

see my turtle?

Over here is Bocelli, our

canary.

He loves to sing, so my dad named him after his favorite singer,

Andrea Bocelli!

Sometimes the visiting children will be much younger than you and won’t want to leave the room where their parents are. You could bring out some toys or books for them, or you can see if they would like to play with you quietly in the same room.

When you know that children will be visiting, it’s a good idea to spend some time preparing for their visit. You can prepare a game or some toys that you think they’ll enjoy playing with together with you.

Most of all, enjoy yourself! That will help the visitors enjoy themselves too.

S&S link: Character Building: Social Skills: Courtesy-1dAuthored by Evan Kallen. Illustrations by Alvi. Design by Stefan Merour.

Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright © 2013 by The Family International

This is my son, Wilson.

Hi, Wilson. I’m Ryan. Would you like to see my

car collection?