In a generation where email, text messaging and the internet are children's primary forms of communication, the need to preserve traditional manners and etiquette is more important than ever. Busy parents try their best to balance the multifaceted aspects of everyday life, but often don't have the time or energy to teach proper behavioral techniques that are critical to a well rounded, socially adept young person; values that will be with the child throughout his or her life.

Possessing good manners helps children build confidence, increase self-esteem, improve communication skills, make friends, and create a positive impression on others. Just as our children learn to read, write and do arithmetic, the skills of proper etiquette and manners also need to be taught, learned and practiced. Helping parents to reinforce these critical skills is a company in Northern Virginia called P's and Q's. Originated by a mother of two young children, P's and Q's offers classes for children ages 3 and up, making manners and etiquette fun and exciting while ensuring the basic, fundamental skills are ingrained in the child's behavior.

Classes are taught using friendly props, puppets, activities and songs, enabling children to be active participants both individually and with their peers. Children are able to round out those skills they already possess, while learning and practicing new ones.

P's and Q's offers skills such as proper table manners and place settings, social manners and interaction and communication skills. For older children, pre-teen and teen, classes can also include American and Continental dining through formal instructional lunches, often at local restaurants, as well as customized training for special events such as formal dinners and special occasions (homecoming, weddings, etc.).

In business since 2004, the owner of P's and Q's, Laura Billak, received her BA from George Mason University and obtained a Certification from the International School of Protocol to teach manner and etiquette to children and teens. Classes are offered at local Boutiques, Montessori Schools, Preschools and Public Schools as well as to private Groups, such local are as Girl and Boy Scouts, Mom's and Church Groups.

"My son and daughter enjoyed these classes so very much that we have decided to enroll them in classes twice a year" offered one mother whose children attended manners class last year.

For more information, P's and Q's can be found on the web at www.mannersarefun.com.