By Rachel Chan

MORE parents are sending their children - some as young as three years old - to manners and etiquette classes.

Image consultants who offer courses in basic manners, social and dining etiquette told my paper that their classes are packed these days. They have also received more enquiries from interested parents.

Image consultant Sherrine Teoh, 30, began offering her basic manners and dining etiquette workshops at People's Association venues last November, but she did not expect that classes would be oversubscribed. During the one-week school holiday this month, she coached more than 100 children.

Image Flair, Academy of Modern Etiquette founder Eunice Tan, 36, also notes that she is getting younger students.

"In 2006, the youngest was five. The youngest this year is three," she said.

Students in both Ms Tan and Ms Teoh's classes learn how to introduce themselves properly, talk politely on the phone and behave courteously at parties - and at home.

These courses cost between $20 and hundreds of dollars.

However, education psychologists and child-developmental experts my paper spoke to say that social etiquette and manners are best inculcated in real- life settings. Parents should also play a major role in this.

Ms Pamela Lee, 45, principal consultant of BestCare Montessori, said: "Children need daily hands-on experience before they are conditioned to exhibit good behaviour."

Nevertheless, businessman Bernard Lee, 38, who sent his four-year-old daughter to a manners class, said: "We're not sure if we're teaching her the right things at home. We thought it wise to send her to an expert."

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