One of the elementary rules of good manners in society is to cover one's mouth when yawning. We should teach it to our children from their early childhood.

When, however, a child becomes distracted and forgets, the parent should cover his or her mouth. This is what Princess Claire is doing for her daughter, the little Princess Louise, during an official parade in Belgium. Her husband, Prince Laurent, at left, looks at his daughter with surprise, as if wondering how she could do this in public.

Do cover your mouth if you cannot hold back a yawn and you are in the presence of others.

Elaine M. Jordan

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