Etiquette Consultant: Macau China

A New Etiquette Consultant in China and Why She Suggests You Try Crickets

At Manners To Go we are thrilled to announce a new etiquette consultant and teacher in Macau.  Jenni Falkof is an American living in Macau and a new business owner, mother and teacher making a difference.

I recently trained and certified her to start teaching manners to children.  Jenni has an interesting story and was such a pleasure to get to know.  Of course, I asked many questions about her daily life in Macau.  Read the full article below.

1. What excites you most about teaching manners to children in Macau?

Moving abroad, to Asia no less, was incredibly daunting. Not only were there language barriers but the cultural differences were significant in addition to different perspectives on etiquette. We moved here when my daughter was 3 years old and she has golden blonde hair and light green eyes. Often times strangers would try and hold her, take pictures with her and touch her hair without asking. At first I was terrified but I learned over time, this was not considered inappropriate or strange to many who grew up here or in neighboring China. (Interestingly, I learned that anything gold is considered lucky. Many people believe touching my daughter’s hair will bring them good luck. I have an adult friend with beautiful blonde hair and it happens to her as well.)

Macau is a medium-sized city with international corporations and a strong economy, and it was quickly apparent the premium put on English language education here, even in local schools. However, language is not culture, and that is what truly excites me about this endeavor. By teaching manners, I hope to help bridge the cultural gap and enable my students to navigate cross-cultural relationships to create lifetime opportunities for them at home and abroad.

2. What do you think the young children of Macau have in common with American children?

Everything. It is a globalising society and children are truly at the frontlines. A local 7 year-old girl likes Frozen, Sofia the First and My Little Pony every bit as much as my daughter. I read about fidget spinners in the NY Times the same day I saw them for the first time at the local toy store down the street. And none of them want to do their homework.

3. What is the best advice you have given as a mom to another mother?

Trust your instincts.

4. What is one place everyone should experience with children?
There is no one place; instead, I recommend trying to experience everything as your child does. Experiencing the world through my daughter’s eyes has brought out my inner child and created a new wonder for even the most seemingly mundane things. For example, I have a path that I walk regularly for exercise, when my daughter got old enough I started taking her with me. She would ask questions and point things out that I so easily walked by almost every day without noticing. She really brings joy and wonder into life.

5. How do you like to start your day?

Oatmeal, coffee and the newspaper.

6. What is your favorite meal to serve to your children and why?

Prior to having my daughter, when my husband and I traveled, I was never an adventurous eater. He has always been willing to try anything and I have always been happy to watch. However, living in Asia, I quickly realized I would have to lead by example and have now tried and liked many things I never even considered food previously. (Jellyfish is one example that comes to mind.) Last year, my limits were truly tested while we were in Vietnam. We visited a cricket farm and at the end we sat down to a snack of fried crickets and spring rolls with crickets in them. My daughter really wasn’t sure about this, so much to my husband’s surprise and delight, I quickly picked up a spring roll and took a big bite before I could even think about it. My daughter followed suit and I can now proudly say we both ate crickets and I might even do it again.
7. What is your favorite book to read to children?

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

8. What advice would you give to your 21 year old self?

You cannot control everything. Learn to be present and appreciate the moment.

9. One woman you would like to be for the day?

Mother Nature

10. I can’t stop talking about….

Thailand. The people, the food, the landscape and especially the culture are all beautiful.

To connect with Jenni in Macau, click here to be directed to her Facebook Page.

 

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The journey of creating Manners To Go has become more than building a brand to me. The journey has become offering an opportunity for like-minded women and men to take control of their destiny and launch a business for the good of our society.

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