Wouldn’t it be great if children were born with good manners and a respectful attitude? The reality is that this is something that definitely has to be taught to them. And home is the perfect place to start, especially with table manners. Parents should make sure they teach and practice these at home so that when your child is at school or visiting someone’s home, they are well-mannered. When my kids have friends over, it’s easy to see that many of them haven’t been taught table manners. Even my kids will comment on their friends’ poor manners. It’s so easy to teach, so get started as soon as you can. The earlier the better!! Even toddlers can learn basic manners. They won’t always use them but at least they are hearing about table manners.
Here are some important table manners to teach your child:
1. Sit up straight at the table with no elbows. Put the napkin in your lap.
2. Don’t bring devices to the table. Turn off the television so you can talk to one another without distractions.
3. Don’t reach across the table. If you want an item, just say “Please pass the salt” or whatever item you need.
4. Use utensils properly.
5. Take just enough food for yourself.
6. Don’t start eating until all have been served or an adult tells you to start.
7. Say, “Yes, please” and/or “No, thank you” when you are offered food.
8. Eat slowly with your mouth closed. If you have to speak, put a hand in front of your mouth while you talk.
9. No rude noises! No burping, slurping, smacking your lips, etc. This is a big one and one parents don’t always address.
10. If you don’t like the food, keep comments to yourself and eat small bites.
11. If you have to leave the table, ask an adult to be excused.
12. When everyone has finished, take your plate to the sink and offer to clean up.
It’s best to go over these rules at mealtime so they can practice as they learn. Remind them before eating and enforce them at every meal. To make it fun, you can show the wrong way first, before showing them the right way. Kids get a kick out of this and it helps them to see how ridiculous and sometimes gross someone looks when they aren’t using their manners!
