How to Teach Your Kids Dining Etiquette

Dinner etiquette starts at home and should be expected from young children when you do go out for dinner. When you take young children to a family restaurant you need to remember that it is a special time for everyone there and being quiet and polite gives everyone dining a chance to enjoy themselves.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Good Manners Gone Bad
   
   We have all experienced it. You get a chance to take some time and go out for a quiet bite to eat. Everyone is enjoying their meal and then a child begins to act out and the parents do nothing to control them. You want to say something but, instead, you finish your meal quickly and leave.

2. Teaching Dinner Etiquette At Home
   
   “What your child practices at home is the way they will act out in public.” It is the parent’s responsibility to teach their children dinner etiquette at home so when they go out to a family restaurant the kids know what is expected of them. If the kids run around during your dinner at home that is what they think is okay to do no matter where they eat their dinner.

3. Family Activities Postponed
   
   If you plan on going out for dinner as a family and your young child has missed their nap, is not feeling well, or is not in a good mood you should not bring them to a public place where others are enjoying some time for themselves. There are options such as wait until the child takes a nap, stay home, or get a babysitter.

4. Table Manners In Public
   
   There will be times when you go out on a fun family activity and end your day at a restaurant for a bite to eat. As the parent you should pay attention to what your kids are doing, how loud they are, and that they are using good table manners. If your child begins to act out take control of the situation so the other restaurant patrons are not disturbed. If your child will not settle down then it is appropriate to remove them from the restaurant.

Tips & Warnings

• Good manners are something that a child is taught. Teaching etiquette starts at home so when you go out to dinner as a family your kids will be a respectful patron and everyone in the restaurant will enjoy their meal

Resources

• How to Encourage Play and Exercise For Children

[JuliaW]

on 1/22/2009 Absolutely agree with all of the above! It is a work in progress at our house but we will get there. 5*

[pearlyvictoria]

on 1/6/2009 Good manners are for everyone's comfort. Excellent article.

[blingaling]

on 12/15/2008 This is advice from a responsible and considerate person. Thanks for sharing these ideas with us.

[Butterfli]

on 12/15/2008 Excellent article! Great tips! 5*

[momaloy]

on 12/5/2008 Great article. Proper table manners are something we're working on around here.