Parenting without pressure
Reflections on my late mother's parenting style & what I hope to incorporate into my own
Growing up, my friends would often wince at the idea of meeting my “well known etiquette instructor mom” before coming over to our house, imagining a rigid, unsmiling, and possibly frightening woman. Then I would always laugh when, after meeting her, they would say, “Your mom’s REALLY fun.”
She had an effortlessly cool way about her. Even though she taught and practiced traditional etiquette rules, she never made me feel less if I missed a step (or two). And I never ever felt pressure to be “perfect” when in a restaurant or at an event with my family.
I’ve been reflecting recently on her parenting style, which was very progressive for the time, and how I can incorporate more of what she did now as I’ve fully stepped into her former field of work (etiquette). I sometimes wonder if she would ever even believe I followed in her footsteps, but that’s a conversation for another day…
Something that’s stood out to me recently is this—she never corrected me in public. We would talk about an event before we walked in the door, and we would reflect afterwards on the experience, but never during the meal or event. Never.
This not only built a strong connection between us, but it also made me feel confident from a very young age—knowing exactly what to do (the preparation beforehand), without pressure ‘to perform’ during the event. And I trusted her to tell me the truth afterwards.
This is something I now strive to practice with my own children—all thanks to the grandmother they never met.
Summer Etiquette Classes
Part of what built my confidence from a young age was attending the many etiquette classes my late mother taught— I never felt any stress/ social anxiety before an event because we had already practiced what to do. And it is such an honor to continue this etiquette training tradition in Charlotte, NC. For those looking ahead to the summer, we have limited availability in our elementary etiquette classes in July & August for rising Kindergarten to 4th grade students. We have many families traveling to Charlotte, NC for these sessions as a full course is taught within 3 consecutive days.
If your desired class is sold out, please add your name to our waitlist through the same link. You can explore all etiquette offerings - for new learners to middle school students to high school students to college students to seasoned professionals - here.
Go-To Gifting: Personalized Stationery
As we move towards the end of the academic calendar, my mind is already on end of year teacher gifts. One of my favorite go-to gifts will always be personalized stationery. Use code: TEACHER for 15% off your order until 4/30/26.
Tell me more
As our audience as grown, I’d love to learn more about what area of etiquette focus you would like to see more of. Please let me know!
I have a special essay planned for later this week, and I truly cannot wait to share it with you!
Here’s to a week ahead filled with practice over perfection.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Elizabeth Anne
About the Author
I’m Elizabeth Anne Russell, founder of Mannerly™ and Mannerly School of Etiquette.
After a 17-year career in management consulting, I left corporate life to build a modern etiquette and social-skills education company inspired by my late mother and a deep belief that kindness, confidence, and social fluency are life skills.
Through Mannerly, I work with children, families, schools, and organizations to teach timeless manners through a modern, social-science-backed lens, helping people move through the world with greater presence, confidence, and consideration for others. Which is undoubtedly more important in 2026 than ever before in history.
Here on The Mannerly Edit, I share thoughtful guidance on modern etiquette, raising socially confident children, business etiquette, hosting and gathering well, and navigating life with grace in a complicated, often uncomfortable world.
Let’s Stay in Touch
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