| Teaching you children how to act at the dinner table | | | | out the white tablecloth, China dishes, and fancy |
| may have lasting positive effects. Normal 0 | | | | silverware at their house and teach their children how |
| We teach our children by example. When we | | | | to act in a fancy environment. The kids feel special |
| practice etiquette at the dinner table, our children will | | | | because they are treated like princesses and royalty, |
| see that it's important and follow our lead. | | | | and they act accordingly. What little princess doesn't |
| | | | | want to dine like one anyway? This simple activity |
| Start by teaching your kids to set the dinner table the | | | | will teach them how to act in a situation they are not |
| proper way each night for dinner, so they can learn. | | | | used to and how to act when they go out to eat at a |
| Most kids 5 and over are capable of setting the table | | | | nice restaurant or at a friend's home. Children should |
| by themselves. First, of course, the plate goes in the | | | | also be taught how to say grace or a prayer of |
| middle, followed by the fork on the left and the knife | | | | thanks on the food. Many families still pray together, |
| on the right with the blade facing toward the plate with | | | | so your child should know what to do in such a |
| the top of the knife pointing to the glass or drink. The | | | | situation. |
| spoon is last on the list and goes next to the knife. | | | | |
| The napkin may lay on top of the plate folded nicely or | | | | After dinner, the children should be encouraged to |
| directly on the lap to avoid messy spills often incurred | | | | thank the person who prepared the meal and may |
| by small children. | | | | ask to be excused. They should be taught to be |
| | | | | independent and take their own plate, glass, and |
| Kids can learn etiquette at a very early age, some as | | | | silverware to the sink and rinse their dishes and put |
| early as three years old. They can learn to speak in | | | | fine dishes to the side of the sink and not inside (to |
| soft voices, use good manners, like not talking with | | | | avoid breaking them). Next they will be free to |
| their mouth full and by being respectful when asking | | | | continue playing or continue with previous activities. |
| for more of a certain food or drink. Instead of | | | | |
| screaming, "More chicken!" you could teach them to | | | | Teaching children etiquette is important. It is a |
| say, "Will you please pass the chicken?" If they don't | | | | valuable skill that they will use through out their lives. It |
| care for something that is on the table, encourage | | | | will help them to be more comfortable at school, social |
| them not to mention it unless they are offered that | | | | events and later in life when they are dating or |
| item. Instead of yelling, "I don't like mushrooms, they're | | | | courting. Good etiquette also reflects well on the |
| yucky!" they could say, "I don't care for mushrooms, | | | | parents because it is clear they are teaching their |
| could I please have something else instead?" | | | | children fundamental skills that will last a lifetime. |
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| One family generally dresses up for dinner one night a | | | | Try teaching your children good etiquette. You have |
| week with their fancy dresses and suits. They get | | | | nothing to lose! |