Dear Carl,

How old are you?  I am 7.  Could you come and see my class again? 

Shawn

Dear Shawn, I am 5 years old.  I go to Kindergarten.  I really like my teacher.  She smiles pretty.  She is very nice to me and tells me I am smart.  I like school.  Summer is almost here though.  Be sure to read my blog about summer.  Thanks for writing.  Carl

 

ASK CARL

Dear Carl,

Sometimes I have to burp.

  But I can't help it if I have to burp.  How do I burp without being noisy?

Max

Dear Max,

Good question!  When you need to burp put your napkin to your mouth.  Keep your mouth closed when you burp and it will go thru your nose instead.  It doesn't make a sound when you do it like that.  And, with the napkin to your mouth, it doesn't smell either.  It is much nicer to do it this way. 

But guess what!  In some countries it is polite to burp at the table.  It means that the meal was good and a compliment to the cook.  But here in America we try not to burp.  Instead we just say "Hey, this was a great meal.  Thanks!!"

Sincerely, Carl

Manners Tip

Dear Carl,

Is it okay to tell an adult to chew with his mouth closed? Sometimes it looks gross!

- Johnny

Dear Johnny, Yuk huh.  But sometimes people chew with their mouth open for a reason.  You never know.  Maybe that person has a hard time breathing through his/her nose.  Or, maybe he has a toothache or something.  My suggestion to you is talk to your parent about it.  It is better to ask them first what to do.  They might know the person and know the reason.  Then they can guide you to tell you what you should do.  Thanks for writing!! Carl

 

ASK CARL

Manners Tip

What should you do if you drop your fork on the floor?  - Sharon

If you drop your fork on the floor in a restaurant, you should ask the waitress or waiter to please get you another fork.  They will be happy to do so.  If you drop your fork on the floor at home at the dinner table, consult with your parents.  Thanks for writing and see you next week.  Carl

 

ASK CARL

Manners Tip

Where do you put your napkin when you excuse yourself from the table to go to the bathroom?

You place your napkin to the side of your plate on the left, or you put it on your chair when you leave.  I do the second because it reminds me to put my napkin back in my lap when I  get back from the restroom.  Thanks for your question!  See you next week.  Carl

 

ASK CARL

Manners Tip

Question:  How do you pass the salt and pepper shakers to someone at the other end of the table?

Answer:  Pick up both the salt and pepper shaker together.  Place them on the table within reach of the person next to you, who will do the same and so on, until they reach the person who asked for them.  They are not passed hand to hand.  They are always passed together.

Thanks Richard for your question.  If you have a question, please e-mail it to me at celiebugpro@yahoo.com or go to contact us.    See you next week.