Etiquette & Leadership Coach helping people show up with confidence, kindness, and credibility.

From the Classroom to the Sidelines: Respect in Every Season

As summer winds down, September brings two big themes: back-to-school routines and the excitement of sporting events.  Whether you’re cheering at a game, navigating school drop-off, or sharing community spaces, good manners keep life running smoother for everyone.

This Month’s Hot-Topic Questions:

Q. At a sporting event, people around me stood for long stretches blocking our view, kids were disruptive, and parents seemed more focused on their phones than the game.  It only calmed down when a child got hurt.  How can I speak up respectfully?

A. Cheering is part of the fun—and it should never come at the expense of others’ enjoyment.  If someone is blocking your view or letting kids run wild, a polite, “Excuse me, would you mind sitting for a bit so everyone can see?” or “Could you help keep it down so we can all enjoy the game?” is usually enough.  If nothing changes, moving seats or quietly speaking with an usher helps you stay respectful while protecting your experience.

Q. How should parents and kids handle school pickup and drop-off lines?

A. These lines only work when everyone does their part.  Stay in line, keep your eyes on the task, and skip the phone until you’re through.  We are all busy, and showing patience and kindness—like pulling forward quickly and respecting staff directions—keeps the process safe and stress-free for all.

Q. I live in an apartment, and kids often run up and down the hallway with no supervision or respect for others in the building.  How can I address this in the kindest way?

A. Shared spaces like hallways and elevators are meant for everyone’s comfort, and sometimes a simple reminder makes all the difference.  A kind approach might be, “I know kids need room to play, and the hallway noise really carries into the other spaces.  Could you help keep it down in the evenings?”  This frames it with empathy while still making your needs clear.  If the problem continues, addressing it neutrally through building management helps resolve it without creating tension with your neighbors.

Q. What is the best way to handle people who constantly talk about themselves, bicker over nothing, and complain about everything?  They always seem negative.

A. Constant negativity can wear anyone down.  Keep your responses polite but brief, and when possible, redirect the conversation: “That’s one way to see it—have you noticed…?”  If the behavior doesn’t change, limit your time with them.  Guarding your own energy while staying kind is the best balance.

And finally, the Etiquette Tip of the Month:

Courtesy to Carry with You: Good manners are never complicated—they’re simply the small choices that make life easier for everyone.  Wiping the counter, keeping voices down, or showing patience in line may seem ordinary, yet those quiet gestures of kindness are what transform shared spaces into welcoming ones.  A little courtesy not only smooths the moment, it also sets the tone for the kind of community we all want to live in.  Remember—people may forget your words, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

See you next month—step into fall with kindness leading the way.
—Lee-Ann

Have a situation you’d like help with?  Write in or email [email protected] and your question may be featured in a future column.  Let’s build a kinder, more respectful world, one interaction at a time.

Lee-Ann Barkhouse is a certified etiquette and leadership coach who helps people show up with confidence, kindness, and credibility.  At Invest in You (www.investinuma.com), she shares practical tools to make everyday moments more thoughtful and meaningful—whether at work, at home, or right here in the community.