How to Use a Napkin

"Rule number one: the first thing that you do when you sit at the table is put your napkin in your lap. The reasons are obvious to both you and me, but to a young child, they might not be. So it's really important that you go through the steps and explain to your child why we do this. Let them know if you sit down and put your napkin on your lap and something should spill on your lap, then you're covered and you're not going to end up with dirty pants or a dirty shirt. And teach them how to properly use their napkins to clean their mouths. They dab with a couple of fingers on either side of their mouths. Make sure that you let them know that it really should never be used as a Kleenex to blow their nose at the table. Explain to them that if they want to blow their nose, it's better to excuse yourself and go to the bathroom and blow your nose there. Or into your bedroom, using a tissue and not your napkin. It also isn't meant to be used as any sort of toy, to whip your sibling who's sitting next to you or across the table from you. And you're really going to do yourself a favor if you start off early on teaching your children to use napkins. Because when little hands get sticky and dirty, without thinking twice your children will reach out for the closest thing to them, whether it's the tablecloth or their shirt, or their pants, and if the napkin is on the lap, it's a great alternative. And if they get used to reaching down and using their napkin, it's going to save you a lot of heartache trying to clean their clothes."