How to Train Your Children to Display Proper Table Manners
Train by Example
One of the most effective tools that parents have at their disposal is their own good example. If they are in the habit of correctly using their cutlery, napkin and excusing themselves whenever they burp or hiccup, then their children will quickly follow suit. But if they display sloppy table manners and are rude while they eat, this is what children will see as the norm and will copy what they see.
Show a Bad Example
Children who are deliberately shown a bad example of bad table manners and are then asked to critique what is wrong with it will often see many obvious bad habits that they need to avoid, such as putting their feet all over the chairs while eating, slouching instead of sitting upright, slurping their soup, and reaching over people rather than asking them to pass the bread or vegetables.
Offer Positive Commendation
Children should not only hear a list of things that they need to avoid or work on. They should also be warmly commended for what they have taken on board from their parents and shown the positive results that come from displaying correct table manners. This is an incentive for children to continue to display proper table manners while they are sitting at the table.
What is Acceptable?
Parents should also make it clear what is acceptable, such as whether eating from a dinner tray is allowed or if meals should all be eaten at the table. In addition to this, should children ask to be excused after they have finished eating, or can they get up and leave without asking permission?
Unfortunately, many modern families are not able to all sit down together at the table for meals each day, as parents and children work to different schedules. But they should still try to make the effort to enjoy at least some meals together throughout the week. Not only will this help a family to come together and bond, but it will also give them a chance to see their children's progress in developing correct table manners. Training children to display correct table manners will take time and patience. Children will need to be continually reminded of what is expected of them and commended when they have listened to instructions on what is expected of them.
Published by Sophie S - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Sophie is a British expat who has been living abroad in the United States for the past 5 years. She writes on a diverse variety of subjects and is particularly interested in sharing her personal knowledge ab... View profile
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- Children need to be trained by example
- Show a bad example and ask them to critique what went wrong
- Remember to always offer positive commendation
14 Comments
Post a CommentI am sure many people will agree that good table manners are lacking in too many households these days. I think parents really need to follow through and I agree; consistency is the key. Children need to be reminded continually of what is expected of them and then commended whenever they follow through with those expectations. If parents were more consistent teaching kids table manners at home, there would probably be a lot less kids with rude behavior and poor table manners in public restaurants.
Great article and information.
these tips are great.
Terrific topic and advice....table manners are very important in our family.
Thanks for the comments.
Sophie
This is a hard one to be sure. By the way, mom hopes to spring free from the hospital tomorrow and be back working and reading by early next week. (Charlie K's daughter)
It actually sickens me to sit down to a meal with people who have bad manners. As soon as kids are old enough to sit at the table, it's time to start training them. -Terrific read!
Excellent suggestions and a great topic!
Start them early, great tips.
Table manners seems to be a forgotten art - but starting from a young age is so important. Good article.