Whether you are eating at home, eating out or having dinner with friends, good table manners play a very important role in developing a child’s social skills. When you teach your children good table manners, you are giving them important tools for social interaction that will serve them throughout their lives.
Manners can also be taught by watching and imitating parents, but since these are life skills, it is better to create rules for children on how to behave at the table. Children should be well aware of the etiquette at the dinner table, if parents are also well aware of the etiquette then they will be more comfortable with their children.
Teaching table manners to preschoolers is a difficult task. They are picky and attention seeking. Parents should sit down with their child and explain what they expect from the child at the table. Teach your child to come to the table with clean hands and face, these are healthy hygiene habits that are important for every child to learn.
Here are some important manners you should teach your child:
- Ask your children to sit at the table, avoid running or moving around and ask your child to use the napkin by placing it on their lap.
- Tell your child not to start eating or banging utensils until everyone is seated.
- Do not throw or snatch food, do not make noise while chewing food, never chew with the mouth open, ask for food politely and use phrases like please, thank you.
- Teach your child to eat small pieces. Make him aware about using spoon and fork wherever necessary, using handkerchief and wiping mouth after eating
- Praise and encourage children when they behave properly and follow table manners.
Teaching table manners to the kids may take some time ,but do take out the time to help them learn the skills that will allow them to become more social and confident individuals in the future.
