Maria Shriver Shares a Timeless Parenting Lesson on Respect and Manners
Maria Shriver, the renowned journalist and member of the Kennedy family, recently revealed a simple yet profound parenting practice she inherited from her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. This tradition, rooted in respect and etiquette, has left a lasting impact on her children and serves as a reminder of the importance of instilling good manners in the next generation.
The Power of Standing Up
During a heartfelt conversation on the TODAY podcast Making Space with Hoda Kotb, Shriver shared how she taught her children to stand up whenever she entered a room. “I make them stand up,” she said. “I used to make them. Now they just do stand up.” this gesture, she explained, was about showing respect — a value deeply ingrained in her upbringing.
Shriver, now 69, emphasized that this practice wasn’t just about formality but about fostering a sense of courtesy and acknowledgment. Her children, now adults, continue this tradition, a testament to the enduring influence of her teachings.
A Family Legacy of Manners
Growing up in the Kennedy family, Shriver was surrounded by strong women who prioritized etiquette and decorum. “The women in my family were big on manners,” she recalled. This emphasis on politeness and respect shaped her approach to parenting, and she made it a point to pass these values down to her own children.
Shriver’s four children — Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher — have all embraced this lesson, demonstrating how small acts of respect can leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s standing up when someone enters a room or simply saying “please” and “thank you,” these gestures reflect a deeper commitment to treating others with dignity.
Why Manners Matter
In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of manners can sometimes be overlooked. Yet, as Shriver’s story illustrates, these small acts of respect can have a profound impact.Teaching children to stand up when someone enters a room isn’t just about tradition; it’s about cultivating a mindset of consideration and thoughtfulness.
For parents looking to instill similar values, Shriver’s approach offers a simple yet effective strategy.By modeling respect and emphasizing the importance of manners, parents can help their children develop habits that will serve them well throughout their lives.
final Thoughts
Maria Shriver’s parenting tip is a reminder that the lessons we teach our children often stem from the values we hold dear. By prioritizing respect and manners, she has created a legacy that extends far beyond her immediate family.As she put it, “I used to make them. Now they just do stand up.” It’s a small gesture, but one that speaks volumes about the power of respect and the enduring influence of good manners.
Maria Shriver,a well-known journalist and member of the Kennedy family,recently shared a parenting rule she enforced with her children that has sparked conversations about respect and tradition. The rule, which required her kids to stand up when an adult entered the room, was initially met with resistance but is now appreciated by her grown children.
“Even though my kids moaned and groaned about it, they now say it was a good thing,” Shriver revealed.This practice, rooted in respect and courtesy, was something she inherited from her own upbringing. Her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who passed away in 2009, had instilled the same values in her during her childhood.
Shriver emphasized that the rule wasn’t limited to family members. She encouraged her children’s friends to follow the same etiquette when visiting their home. “When their friends would come over, I’d be like, ahem,” she said with a laugh. Her goal was to foster a sense of respect and attentiveness, even in casual settings.
She elaborated on the reasoning behind the rule: “I didn’t want to walk in the room, and they’d be sitting looking at a phone or watching the game. I’d be like, ‘I’m here. Here we are, and here I am. And look me in the eye, say hello, thank me for coming, write me a thank you note if I take you somewhere.'”
This approach, though strict, was designed to teach her children the importance of acknowledging others and showing gratitude.shriver’s parenting style reflects the values passed down through generations of her family, including her grandmother, Rose Kennedy, who was known for her emphasis on manners and discipline.
Shriver’s story highlights the enduring importance of teaching respect and gratitude in a world increasingly dominated by distractions. While her methods may seem old-fashioned to some,the positive impact they’ve had on her children underscores their value. as she put it, “Even though my kids moaned and groaned about it, they now say it was a good thing.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger,Maria Shriver,and their children.Netflix
Maria Shriver, a renowned journalist and member of the Kennedy family, has always placed a strong emphasis on manners and meaningful conversations in her parenting approach. Drawing from her upbringing, she instilled similar values in her own children, Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher, whom she shares with former husband Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Shriver credits her mother, Rose Fitzgerald kennedy, for shaping her outlook on etiquette. “My parents were big on manners,” she recalled. This focus on politeness and respect became a cornerstone of her own parenting philosophy.
Another key lesson she carried forward was the importance of engaging in thoughtful discussions at the dinner table. “When we went to the dinner table, everybody had to have something to bring to the table to talk about, to converse about,” shriver explained. “My mother would be like, ‘WhatS your opinion of the gospel? What’s your opinion of what the president said today?'”
This practice wasn’t limited by age. “You could be 10, 11, 19, 20, but you had to step up,” she added. Shriver believes this approach helped her children develop critical thinking skills and the confidence to express their views.
At the core of Shriver’s parenting style is a commitment to fostering open communication and intellectual curiosity. By encouraging her children to engage in meaningful dialogue, she aimed to prepare them for the complexities of the world while maintaining a strong family bond.
Raising Children in the Public Eye: Balancing Privacy and Values
Parenting is a deeply personal journey, but when your family is in the public eye, the stakes are even higher. One mother, determined to shield her children from the spotlight, emphasized that her kids were “four distinct individuals” who understood their worth and felt like “a priority in a public family.” her approach highlights the delicate balance between nurturing individuality and protecting privacy in a world that often blurs the lines.
she made it clear that her primary goal was to “guard their privacy” and ensure they were never “part of political pamphlets” or ”used as props.” this commitment to safeguarding her children’s autonomy reflects a broader philosophy of parenting that prioritizes respect and boundaries.
Her methods align closely with what experts describe as the authoritative parenting style. This approach combines clear rules with emotional support, fostering an environment where children learn to take responsibility for their actions. As Kalley Hartman, a marriage and family therapist and clinical director of Ocean Recovery, explained in 2023, “This style encourages children to take responsibility for their own actions and make decisions that are appropriate for their age and advancement.”
By setting high standards while maintaining open communication,this parenting style helps children develop confidence and independence.It’s a strategy that not only prepares them for the challenges of growing up but also equips them to navigate the complexities of living in a public family.
For parents, especially those in the public eye, the lesson is clear: prioritize your children’s well-being and individuality. Teach them the value of privacy and respect, and guide them with a balance of structure and empathy.In doing so, you’re not just raising children—you’re nurturing future adults who understand their worth and can confidently make their own choices.
