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Are You Raising Rude Eaters?
Kids aren't born knowing how to use a fork or sit up straight when they eat. And unlike reading or science, these topics probably aren't taught at school. Like charity, table manners begin at home. Start teaching your child the right way to eat as soon as he can feed himself. Explain that mealtime manners display kindness and respect for other people at the table. Focus on one or two behaviors at a time so he doesn't get overwhelmed. Correct mistakes gently, and praise him when he does something right. Above all, practice what you preach. With constant reinforcement, good eating habits should become automatic. But in case they don't, we've got solutions for the most common offenses.
Not Washing Her HandsManners Makeover Remind your child to get rid of all the germs before she comes to the table. Make the task easier for a toddler by putting a step stool by the sink and keeping her towel within easy reach. Have her use warm water and scrub for 20 seconds -- long enough to sing the ABCs. Most kids 5 and older can wash by themselves, but it's a good idea to inspect and sniff their hands afterward (just to make sure).
Reaching Over to Grab ThingsManners Makeover Your child is trying to do things on her own, so don't scold her. Instead, say something like, "I'd be glad to pass the peas to you, honey. Just remember to ask next time."
BurpingManners Makeover Everybody burps (admit it), and some cultures consider it to be a compliment. But since ours views belches as unsavory and distracting, tell your child to close his mouth when he feels one coming on and to say "excuse me" afterward. Reduce his gassiness by avoiding carbonated beverages before and during the meal. And discourage copycat burping by other kids, which can kill the mood of a nice dinner.
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i share these articles OFTEN, but wont be doing so anymore. With your new format which requires me to allow parents.com to post to my facebook profile, etc, I am no longer willing to "share" at that cost. this is a good article, and reminds us all to mentor and teach by showing and doing. My two 2 year olds are learning how to use tableware, and how not to pick up plates, and how not to pour our drinks, and it is very frustrating.
7/5/2011 01:36:50 PM Report AbuseYou are missing the boat on three most annoying habits--kids chewing with their mouths open, smacking their food, and using their spoon/fork as a shovel (keeping their arm on the edge of the table, bending down so their mouth can reach the food on their fork)! I see it everywhere!
5/13/2011 01:23:26 PM Report AbuseVery good article. So many children are not taught good table manners or good manners in general.
4/5/2011 04:39:25 PM Report AbuseI am crazy about manners. It kills me when my nephew (through marriage) interrupts. He does it constantly.If my children did that they would be in huge trouble. Sometime I wonder if this particular child does it just because he knows I do not have the right to punish him? My children have even commented to me after he leaves our house about how bad his manners are. Does any body have any suggestions for how to address his mother about this problem with out offending her?
4/4/2011 01:37:20 PM Report AbuseGreat idea from Daycare: Before students leave the table, they tap thumbs w/ a teacher. If old enough, they also ask to be excused. The thumb tap lets those who can't talk get in the habit of asking. AND the older children can¿t just say "excuse me" and run away. We started this at home at 16 months old. It only took 2x for her to "get it." She may try to leave the table when she's "done" but when we respond by saying "thumb?" she sits down and puts her thumb up to wait for us to tap.
3/23/2011 05:11:23 AM Report Abusehi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111
2/25/2011 05:10:16 PM Report AbuseI am a stickler for table manners and trying everything at the table. I've been having trouble with my 10-year-old who is a very picky eater. Doing some research online, I came across another site also with a ton of information on this subject, as well as information on general discipline and temper tantrums. The site is www.parentingpowers.com/member with Susan Epstein. The information she has on her site is wonderful!
3/29/2010 10:25:59 PM Report Abuse