We weren’t born with manners, neither are our kids and we should strive to teach them just like our parents did. We may begin from the dining table itself and once the rules are set, they must apply for all meals and all members, even in restaurants and as guests.
‘No Gadget Zone’: Make your dinner table a gadget-free zone. This will be very helpful in connecting with other family members during mealtime. Keep your phones away, don’t let the kids bring their toys in here and switch off the Radio/ Television. Say NO to magazines and newspapers as well. Connect and share with those present.
Remain Seated: Kids find it hard to sit still and this is the best way you could get them to do so. Tolerate no distraction, be it pets, neighbours or phone call. Accept no excuses other than an unexpected visit to the toilet during mealtimes.
Know what’s on your Plate: Best to teach kids which spoons to use for serving, what to eat with the fork and when to use the knife. Teach them not to play around with their food and cutlery, to avoid making noises with their plates, and to take small portions – they could take more once they finish what’s on their plate.
Healthy Discussions: Encourage knowledgeable discussions during dinnertime. There are a variety of topic you could discuss including sports, adventure, travel, hobbies, culture and also your most favourite memories. Avoid disturbing topics, small talk such as siblings discussing video games and bathroom talk.
Show Respect: Teach kids to respect the food that is being served and avoid making faces when they do not fancy something. Teach them to show respect and be thankful to those who have taken pains to bring food to your table, it could be both the parents and other elders as well. Thy need to be taught the importance of being polite, saying “Please” and ‘Thankyou” should come naturally to them.
Chew with mouths closed: That’s something which most kids need to work on. Make it a rule – “No talking while eating”. They may start right but as they get too excited, especially while narrating a story or an incident, they forget about the rule. Reminding them time and again is the only way they will eventually get the habit. You may try devising a code word such as, “Fly!” which naturally reminds them to shut their mouths.
Try everything once: Whatever is served should be tried by the child at least once, even if it is a very small portion of it. We usually serve fruits and vegetables of the season and every child has likes and dislikes but you will be surprised to know how soon their palate keeps changing and their one-time-dislike may have changed to being their favourite!
Ask to be excused: Kids need to know that it is impolite to leave the table when others are yet to finish their meals. If they really need to, they may ask to be excused and then leave. Kids also need to be taught to clear the table – they could begin with picking up their own plates and spoons.
Remind yourself that kids learn by example and they copy your actions. If you think you need to spruce up on your habits, reading will help and if you think your manners are perfect, ask your partner for opinion!
Such manners and etiquettes shall help your kids all their lives – personally and professionally, while making you feel good about your parenting skills as well.
Image Courtesy – http://gmitlibrary.blogspot.in/ (gadget free zone) http://wonderopolis.org/ (set dinner table) http://www.childfun.com/ (manners image) http://wkdq.com/ (last image)
- Sheetal Bidaye
- January 6, 2017
- 3 Comment
We also have strict no-phone-policy on the dinner table. It helps in connecting with everyone.
When we were young we did not have mobile phones or other gadgetsfor distractions… but our father had made it a point that dinner time was a time to spend together. We had rules like no talking while chewing food or waiting for everyone to finish before getting up etc.
Teaching Golden words to children is so important. This also teaches them not to take things for granted and gratitude.