Children do
not learn proper table manners overnight. It takes years of repetition
and consistent training to refine their skills. Parents have eighteen
years to help shape their child's table manners so there is plenty of
time to patiently work with them. Expect lots of errors and missteps, use
gentle guidance, never scold or embarrass,
just kindly correct and continue eating.
If
parents begin teaching manners when their children are toddlers, by the
time the kids are in kindergarten they will have mastery of the basics.
The following is a list of table manners
that your child should have a good grasp of by age six.
1. Wash their hands and face before sitting down to the
table.
2. Sit down in their proper seat and put their napkin
in their lap.
3. Wait to begin eating until everyone is seated and has been
served. Many families wait until an adult gives permission to start eating.
4. Stay seated in their seats without wiggling in their
chairs, going under the table, or getting up and down.
5. Say, "Excuse Me," and ask permission to leave
the table.
6. Elbows do not belong on the table.
7. Mouths should stay closed while chewing and pieces should
be bite sized.
8. "May I please" and "Thank you"
should be used when children would like food and never reach across the table.
9. Participate in the conversation during dinner and no
interruptions when other people are talking.
10. Slurping, burping, squealing, singing, humming are all
sounds that are not to be made at the table.
11. It is never kind or polite to make negative comments about
what is being served for dinner.
12. Before getting up at the end of the meal say, "May I
please be excused?"
13. Ask if adults would like them to clear their dinner plate.
14. Thank the cook.
Teaching children to use good
table manners is a wonderful gift that will serve them well throughout
their entire lives.
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