The Most Frequently Asked Questions:

 

What is the difference between The Character Method and The Etiquette Method?

The Character Method is the company and umbrella brand behind our digital learning programs. The Etiquette Method is our flagship program for children ages 7–12. Future programs will serve teenagers, college students, and young athletes at different stages of life.

What ages is The Etiquette Method designed for?

The Etiquette Method is designed for children ages 7–12. The lessons are approachable for younger children while still covering practical skills that older children can apply in everyday situations.

What does my child learn?

Children explore greetings and introductions, eye contact, conversation, table manners, gratitude, responsibility, kindness, respect, confidence, sportsmanship, and other real-life social skills. The lessons focus on helping children understand not only what to do, but also why it matters.

Do I have to purchase the full program, or can I purchase units separately?

You can begin with Unit 1 and add additional units as you go. Your family can start small without committing to the complete program upfront.

How long is each lesson?

Each video is approximately 15 minutes or less. The accompanying worksheet or activity generally takes another 10–15 minutes. Lessons are designed to fit comfortably into a busy family’s schedule.

How often should we complete a lesson?

There is no required schedule. Your family can complete lessons weekly, move more quickly, or pause when life gets busy. Allowing time between lessons can give children more opportunities to practice the skills in everyday situations.

Do the lessons need to be completed in order?

We recommend following the units in sequence because many lessons build on previously introduced skills. However, families can revisit a topic or select a lesson that is especially relevant to an upcoming situation, such as table manners before a holiday gathering.

What if we fall behind or need to take a break?

There is no need to rush. Life happens, and families have busy seasons. Simply return when you are ready and continue from where you left off. The focus is learning and practice, not finishing by a particular date.

Will I need a printer?

A printer is recommended because each lesson includes printable resources, such as a Student Workpage and flashcards. If you do not have access to a printer, your child can still watch the lesson and discuss or practice the skill with you.

Can my child watch a lesson more than once?

Absolutely. Repetition is a normal part of learning. Your family can revisit purchased lessons whenever a child needs a reminder, additional practice, or a confidence boost before a particular situation.

 

What if I have more than one child using the program?

Children in the same household are welcome to watch the lessons together. We recommend printing a separate Student Workpage for each child so they can complete the activities at their own pace. Watching together can also lead to valuable family conversations.

Is Mrs. Churchwell a real, live instructor?

Mrs. Churchwell is a digital instructor created to make the lessons warm, consistent, and engaging for children. She is not a live teacher and does not provide one-on-one instruction or direct communication with students.

Is Mrs. Churchwell inspired by a real person?

Yes. Mrs. Churchwell is inspired by a beloved first-grade teacher from founder Caroline Harris’s childhood. Her encouragement and emphasis on kindness, perseverance, and character made an impression that Caroline carried into adulthood.

Why does the program use an AI-created digital instructor?

We use thoughtfully designed technology to provide children with a consistent, engaging instructor throughout the program. This approach also allows us to create and update lessons in a flexible and accessible format.

Mrs. Churchwell supports the learning experience, but she does not replace the role of a parent, teacher, coach, or other trusted adult. She provides another encouraging voice as children explore and practice important life skills.

Can my child complete the lessons independently?

Many children can watch the videos and complete the activities independently. However, occasional family conversations and opportunities to practice the skills in real life can make the experience more meaningful. Parents do not need to prepare or teach a separate lesson.

Will this replace teaching manners and character at home?

No. The Etiquette Method is designed to support families, not replace parents or other trusted adults. Mrs. Churchwell introduces practical skills and explains why they matter, giving children another voice and additional opportunities to learn and practice.

Is The Etiquette Method only for homeschool families?

No. The program can be used by public-school, private-school, and homeschool families. It is designed to fit into everyday family life rather than function as a replacement for a child’s academic education.

Is this a replacement for my child’s school or homeschool curriculum?

No. The Etiquette Method is a supplemental program focused on confidence, kindness, social graces, and practical life skills. It can be used alongside any school, homeschool curriculum, or family routine.

Is a faith-based option available?

Yes. Each lesson includes a free, optional Faith-Based Companion Worksheet that connects the lesson to Scripture. Families may choose whether to use this resource. The core lessons can be used with or without the faith-based companion materials.

What if my child has difficulty sitting through a video lesson?

Each video is approximately 15 minutes or less and presents the information in clear, manageable sections. Families may also pause the video, divide the lesson into shorter sessions, or revisit it later based on their child’s attention and learning needs.

Does watching the lessons guarantee a change in my child’s behavior?

No program can guarantee a particular behavioral outcome. Children develop skills at different rates and often need examples, practice, reminders, and second chances. The Etiquette Method provides instruction and opportunities to practice, while recognizing that growth looks different for every child.

What other programs are planned?

The Character Method is being developed as an umbrella for programs serving different ages and stages. Planned future offerings include The Character Method: Teen Edition, The Character Method: Collegiate Edition, and The Character Method: Athlete Edition. These programs are still in development.

 

Can a school, co-op, team, church, or youth organization use the program?

Yes. The Etiquette Method can be used by schools, homeschool co-ops, teams, churches, and youth organizations through an organizational license.

Because group access allows the program and its printable materials to serve multiple students, organizational licenses are priced separately from family access. Pricing depends on the number of students, classrooms, and campuses using the program.

Please contact us to discuss the right access option for your group.

Are you attending any conventions or community events?

We enjoy connecting with families in person. Follow The Character Method on social media for announcements about upcoming conventions, workshops, and community events.  Additionally, if you have conventions  or community events where you would like to see The Character Method, please reach out to us at [email protected].

What is your refund policy?

Because The Etiquette Method is a digital product with immediate access to videos and downloadable materials, all sales are final. If you experience a technical problem or have difficulty accessing your purchase, please contact us so we can help.

Do you have an affiliate program?

An affiliate program is currently in development for parents, content creators, co-op leaders, and others who want to introduce The Etiquette Method to their communities.

To be notified when the program becomes available, join the waitlist at thecharactermethod.com/affiliate-program-waitlist.