Table Manners for Kids

Training on table manners for kids is very important. You can start training your child on dining etiquette right from when he is a toddler. He may not master all the dining skills immediately.

And it may take even a year or more for him to understand their significance. But eventually, this early table manners training moulds his dining habits in his later years. And remember to appreciate him when he demonstrates good table manners.

Your toddler is generally very active and refuses to sit in one place for a long time. He may get restless during a meal that takes half an hour of his time. So, if he becomes full before his plate is empty, put him down. Do not go around the house trying to feed him. Slowly he will learn that food is meant to be had only at the dining table. If you go to a restaurant with your toddler, order food such as idlis or sandwiches that are easy for him to handle. You may feed him something before you go, so that he doesn't become cranky and start crying.

Tips for training on table manners for kids

There are some easy tips that you can follow to train your child on table manners. Some of them are:

• Teach him to wash his hands thoroughly before sitting at the dining table for a meal. Also, teach him to wash them after a meal and tell him the importance of gargling his mouth.
• Tell him to sit straight during a meal and not bend over food.
• Make him understand the importance of eating with his mouth closed.
• Explain to him that he should not talk with food in his mouth. Tell him that he can speak only when his mouth is empty.
• Encourage him to say "Thank you" when he is served a dish.
• Do not allow him to lean forward to take a dish that is away from him. Tell him to request someone sitting close to the dish to pass it over.
• Avoid allowing him to burp at the table during or after a meal.
• Stop him from picking at his teeth when he is seated at the table.
• Teach him to take small bites at a time and chew them well before swallowing the food.
• Ask him not to rush through his food. This does not mean that he should be allowed to prolong his feeding hours at the dining table.
• Allow him to start eating only after everyone else at the table has been served.
• Do not suck in food (especially liquid food) with a slurpy sound.
• Throw the skin of fruits such as bananas or chocolate wrappers in the garbage bin. This is an etiquette that you may consider training your toddler when he is slightly older.
• Encourage him to be a less messy eater with each meal.

You must remember that you cannot impose table manners on kids in a day or a week. You must be patient and calm with the child as he tries to learn each etiquette. Also, do give him credit and appreciate him when he exhibits good table etiquette. Do not be very rigid on him and turn his meal time into a nightmare. Setting yourself as an example will make it easier for you to accomplish the task of training on table manners for kids.