If there is one lesson you have probably learned as a parent, it is to expect the most embarrassing moments to occur at the most inappropriate times! Many of these mishaps seem to happen at the table. So, when your toddler says or does something that makes you and your husband appear that you have absolutely no idea what table manners are… say to yourself, “Don’t worry, it’s my rite of passage as a parent” (and of course, it makes for great dinner party conversation).
With that in mind, I am a firm believer that your child is
never too young to begin teaching the basics. The dining table
will be the setting for many important happenings in your
child’s life.
It may, one day, be the setting for meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time, a lunch with a potential employer or a dinner with upper management at the office holiday party. No matter what the occasion, knowing how to navigate their way through a meal will tremendously benefit your child.
Most children will master these dining skills by age five, but you should start teaching them around the age of two. Of course, there will be some exceptions to this, but as your toddler grows and matures, the more difficult dining skills can be taught and mastered.
Things Your Child Should Never Do at the Table
Begin as you mean to go on! Teach your toddler to
never:
- Begin eating until everyone has been served.
- Lick the knife! Sharp objects should never be put in the mouth, not to mention that Band-Aids don’t do well on the tongue.
- Lean back on a chair’s hind legs.
- Speak with food in his mouth.
- Chew with her mouth open. In addition, don’t chew noisily.
- Put more in his mouth than he can chew. Small bites should be encouraged. In addition, food should never be shoveled.
- Interrupt others when they are talking.
- Point utensils at others.
- Leave the chair out when he gets up. It should always be pushed in when he steps away from the table.
- Take the last bit of food without first offering it to others at the table.
- Talk about gross or gossipy subjects.
- Get up until everyone else is finished eating.
- Put elbows on the table. After all, Mae West once said, “Keep all uncooked joints off the table.”
Dining Faux Pas
Here are just a few of the many dining
dos you should begin teaching your child:
- Your napkin should be placed on the lap when you sit down. It is unfolded on your lap, not above the table. If someone inadvertently took your napkin, don’t shout, “Who took my napkin?” Quietly ask for another. Many parents ask if it is okay to tuck in their child’s napkin into the collar to prevent spillage onto clothes. You may do so if your child is 5 or younger.
- Feet should be flat on the floor (if they reach) and have your back against the chair…good posture!
- Hold the glass with two hands if necessary. If the glasses are more formal, small hands can hold the stem to prevent tipping or dropping.
- If a bread basket or other food item is passed to you, remember to continue passing to the right. If the dish is closest to you before you begin passing, offer it to the person to your left and then pass to the right.
- If you must sneeze or cough, turn your head toward your shoulder and cover your mouth with your napkin or hand (preferably your napkin).
- Always wipe your mouth with your napkin before taking a sip. Greasy lips leave an unpleasant and unappetizing ring on the glass.
- If you must use the bathroom, simply say, “excuse me” and get up. If there are guests at the table, you need not let everyone know where you are going.
- Get in and out of your chair on the right side.
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