Table manners....

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

It gets a little tricky sometimes when we're at the table. Even more so, if we're out at a restaurant. I've been wondering how best to encourage manners at the table.

Some of the basics behaviours to encourage:

• Hand washing before mealtime.

• No throwing of food (which happens from time to time)

• No banging of utensils (also a favourite activity)

• No spitting of food.

• No yelling or running around

• Saying 'please' and 'thank you'

• Not to speak with food in the mouth

The best way is to set an example by showing the little ones how it's done. Consistency will help make good manners a habit. Parents are urged to set expectations and use gentle reminders to reinforce them.

If Ayanna begins to act up at the table, we generally ignore her if we're at home. She usually stops whatever she's doing when her behaviour gets no response. It gets a little difficult when we're out. We tend to resort to removing her from the table, explaining to her that her behaviour was not good manners. We try to explain to her about the other diners at the restaurant, how they do not wish to be disturbed and the importance of using her soft, indoor voice.

Role-playing at home may not just be fun but can be a great learning tool for kids to discover good manners. Enjoying a tea-party with Ayanna's teddy bears can be the perfect foundation to emphasising good manners.

How do you instill good manners at the table with your kids?