How to Teach Good Table Manners

Teaching table manners to kids can increase their social confidence.

While eating is an instinct, doing so with proper table manners isn't. Teaching kids to demonstrate good table manners involves breaking bad habits and introducing them to acceptable ones. It may even test your ability to uphold your own standards of table etiquette. Approach this issue with creativity and persistence to help kids learn and demonstrate acceptable social behaviors.

Instructions

1. Explain the importance of good table manners. Relay that displaying proper etiquette shows others that you are respectful. Stress that exhibiting good table manners also shows that you are obedient and enjoy getting along with others. Provide age-appropriate examples of how using bad manners can show immaturity or recklessness. Ask kids to strive for mastery of good manner, as doing so leaves a good impression with others.

2. Set a positive example with your actions. Understand that simply knowing what constitutes good table manners won't make your advice golden. Take advantage of opportunities to demonstrate proper eating habits in both private and public situations. This helps show that proper dining etiquette isn't unattainable and that you are able to follow your own rules.

3. Confront bad habits directly. Make a list of the most common offenses with the kids to encourage openness and keep the mood light. Examples include talking with a mouth full of food, frowning at unfamiliar dishes and roughhousing at the table. This helps kids form concrete opinions about acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. While making real-time corrections to table manners is appropriate, avoid embarrassing the offender when doing so.

4. Discuss good table manners. Ensure that kids know what to do while eating instead of merely knowing what is forbidden. Guide kids throughout the entire dining process, which includes teaching about proper hand washing, usage of utensils and what constitutes polite mealtime conversation. Let kids know that while they may encounter unfamiliar settings and food selections, knowing the basics of good table manners can allow them to overcome obstacles.

5. Provide positive reinforcement to encourage adherence to standards. Examples include pointing out even minor improvements or instituting a tiered reward system for mastery of good table manners. Perform ongoing assessments of progress during meal and snack sessions. Asking kids to perform self-assessments at the conclusion of each meal can also increase accountability and compliance.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow many opportunities for kids to practice their good table manners. This includes venturing into different types of settings including buffets and formal dinners.

• Creating interesting demonstrations about both good and bad table manners can inspire both laughs and increased understanding.

References

• Family Education: Table Manners: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Cuisinenet: Foods You Can Eat with Your Fingers