10 Table Manners Your Child Must Learn

It is a must to inculcate good table manners in children. Good table manners also encourage healthy eating habits. Read on to find about the 10 table manners which you must cultivate in your children.Just as teaching any other good manners to children, teaching table manners is very essential. Developing table manners in children reflects positive image in front of others. Good manners in children are signs of effective parenting which are appreciated by everyone. But, most of the parents are not much worried about the dining etiquettes. They leave the children to eat in their own way at home but control them when dining out.To follow proper dining manners everywhere, parents must educate children right from home. Instruct the child to behave well while taking food and not to make a mess on the table. Best guidance and cultivated environment can help them to understand the table manners and follow them effectively when they are dinning out. In this articleDirt-Free Hands and FaceUsing NapkinTaking Less Food Food with Mouth-Shut Talks While EatingRequesting for FoodEating Food without Fidgeting with itWaiting for Everyone to Start Using Hands or Spoon in the Right WayShowing Gratitude and Appreciation1. Dirt-Free Hands and FaceBefore entering the dining hall or sitting for dinner, make sure the child washes her hands and face. Cleanliness while eating shows the respect for food and it is also one of the hygienic habits. In-take of food with dirty hands will spoil the image of the child as well as the parents in public. It can also let the germs enter the body of child very easily. Thus, it is good for both children and parents to take care of personal hygiene.2. Using NapkinDevelop a habit of using napkins on lap while having food. Napkins can be used for wiping the food on mouth, hands, and fingers. It will also protect the children’s clothes from getting stained with food particles.3. Taking Less FoodOn seeing the varieties of food, children feel eager to taste all the dishes, hence they fill the plate completely. Educate the child to take minimum quantity of food and not to create a mess. Chances are high that they can drop the food all over the dining zone when the plate is full. Also, if they may not be able to finish the full plate so rest of the food may get wasted. Teach them to ask for extra food only if required.4. Chewing Food with Mouth-ShutChewing the food with mouth open may results in food spilling from mouth. Also such behaviour looks shabby. While dining out or in a public place, it makes an annoying appearance. Instruct the child to chew with mouth shut to look decent and make sure the food is chewed properly. Tell your child to take small morsels so that she can chew food properly.5. Avoiding Talks While EatingTell your children to avoid too much talking when having food and not to make the dining table into a conference table. It does not mean that they should act like a zombie by being quiet. Encourage the kids not to speak when having food in mouth if they want to say something. Limit their talks and permit them to concentrate more on eating food properly.6. Requesting for FoodInstead of taking food on own, it is better for children to request someone to serve it on their plate. While taking the food on their own children may drop it and create a mess.7. Eating Food without Fidgeting with itFew children love to play with food served on the plates. Food is not meant to play and this must be made clear to them. Children must learn to respect food.8. Waiting for Everyone to StartWhen a child is having the food in a get-to-gather or with friends and relative, teach her to start eating once everyone are served at the table. This kind of behaviour appears pleasant and makes others feel happy.9. Using Hands or Spoon in the Right WayWhether the child eats with hands or a spoon, educate her to have food in the right way. Depending on the type of food, children can decide on the way of eating, and parents are responsible to teach on how to use.10. Showing Gratitude and AppreciationWhen requesting someone to serve or share the food, train the children to use the words like “please”. When the request has been completed or a favour is done, instruct them to use the word “Thank you”. Tell them that they should never pass comments on food at the dining table.In addition to the above said table manners, make children recognize the actions done by them at the table. Good table manners enable others to appreciate the children and thus their confidence will get boosted as well.What are the ways to teach table manners to children? Why is it important to teach table manners to children? What should children avoid doing at dining table? Discuss here.