Top Ten Table Manners for Kids

By : Jodie Shield | 0 Comments | On : November 26, 2013 | Category : Adults, Kids, Teens

The holidays are here!  Time to help your kids brush up on their table manners

By: Jodie Shield, RD

When my son, Michael, was five, kindergarten met for only a couple of hours in the afternoon (a so called half-day!).  That was fine by Michael, because he and his best buds, Jeff and Peter, loved having play dates and eating lunch at our house.  I dreaded the mess.  When those three stooges got together, things got a little out of hand, especially at the kitchen table.  After gallons of spilled milk and jelly all over my seat cushions, I knew it was time for – the manners video.  The manners video was this silly, short movie I found to help teach kids how to set the table and practice using good table manners.  It featured boys and girls dressed up in early American costumes eating dinner with past presidents.  Not exactly an action hero thriller!  Much to my surprise, their table manners improved and the “manners video” is legendary.  Now that the boys are all in college, one of their fondest memories is reminiscing about watching George Washington eat soup during the dreaded “manners video.”

Good manners are social skills that will help your child succeed in class, with friends, and even with future employers.  I knew one woman who didn’t get a job because during her lunch interview she answered questions with her mouth full – yuck! With so many families eating on the run these days, table manners are on the endangered species list.  No doubt your kids’ table manners will be on full display this holiday season.  Since the “manners video” is no longer available, I went to the leading authority on table manners – Emily Post – to see what the top ten most important table manners are for kids today.  Here’s what she had to say.  Plus I added a few – couldn’t resist. Also, go ahead an take my table setting quiz to make sure you’re totally up to role model speed.

Top Ten Table Manners for Kids

1. Turn off the technology – television, cellphones and computers.
2. Put your napkin on your lap.
3. Start eating when everyone else does – or when given the OK to start.
4. Stay seated and sit up straight.
5. Keep elbows (and other body parts!) off the table while eating.
6. Chew with our mouth closed and don’t talk until you’ve swallowed.
7. Don’t make bad comments about the food.
8. Say “Please pass the –“ instead of reaching.
9. Don’t make rude noises like burping or slurping.
10. Ask to be excused when finished.

Honorable mentions:

• Come to the table with clean hands and face
• Chat with everyone at the table.
• Thank your host or whoever prepared the meal
• Offer to help clear the table.