My husband had minor foot surgery early this morning and as the nurse put the final wrap on his foot, she asked me what I do for work. I shared, I teach food servers in senior living communities how to show good service to elder folks. She immediately reacted with a big surprised smile and blurted “that is so needed! Younger people just don’t know how to show respect to older people!” She proudly told us she makes it a point to teach her 6 year old son, how to show honor and respect for an older person by driving an elderly lady who goes to their church. This mom makes a conscious effort to teach her son polite, courteous behavior from opening the car door for their guest, to walking her to the front door returning her home! Kudos to this mom!

These are the same behaviors we develop and reinforce in Kind Dining training, modules 1,4,5,6. Food servers are expected to universally convey feelings of welcome, respect, and to demonstrate proper etiquette around serving meals, but many don’t know how.