Several years ago when a new retail clothing store opened in downtown Salt Lake City, I was favorably impressed, as were other customers, with the exceptionally gracious and accommodating attitude of the sales clerks. The outstanding service made it a pleasure to shop there.

One day I inquired of a store manager about their training program. I was interested in knowing how the company prepared its employees to be so courteous and helpful.

The manager responded by saying, “We have no in-store training program at all. The training program we use is yours from the home. We hire people who are already gracious and accommodating, courteous and helpful.” I was intrigued.

The “training program” of our homes does make a difference — for good or bad — in the lives of our children. Children are the products of their homes, at least the great majority of them are. There are striking exceptions either way, but generally speaking the quality of the training in the home is clearly reflected in people’s lives.

A good home training program, in addition to teaching children gospel truths and giving them strength of character, should educate them in social graces. The program’s agenda could include requiring children to extend such thoughtful gestures as:

• writing thank-you notes or responding appropriately when gifts are given or favors are extended by family and friends
• knowing what RSVP means on an invitation and taking whatever action is required
• answering telephones graciously and following through with messages (keep a bulletin board or note pad handy)
• using “concert manners,” that is dressing and behaving well when attending cultural events
• practicing which fork to use and understanding which salad is theirs on the table
• knowing how to make introductions and greet strangers
• making “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” “I’m sorry,” and “How can I help?” integral elements of their conversation
• being alert to opportunities for doing something extra as they serve others

The curriculum for our home training program should include preparing our children to begracious and accommodating, courteous and helpful. As they combine these qualities with gospel truths and strength of character, they will be assets to any organization.