Table Etiquette Games for Kids

Teaching table manners to children doesn't have to be drudgery. On the contrary, education experts such as Alex J. Packer, Ph.D. recommend fun, positive and values-oriented ways of teaching decorum to kids. During mealtime, adults can set the example of dining etiquette; praise and reward children for good behavior, and verbally remind them of appropriate behaviors. Away from mealtime, the teacher or parent can discuss the benefits of polite behavior at the table and further model the rules through role-playing, puppet skits and rhyming. The following games and activities can be modified for children of any age.

  1. Make Believe Restaurant or Tea Party

    • Set the table with linens, a vase or centerpiece and a menu for a formal dinner or tea party. Use the fanciest tableware that is safe and appropriate, given your child's age. Model the manners that are needed in fancy settings. Show the child how to unfold the napkin and put it in his lap, for example. Take the child's coat, ask her to order a drink and a meal and take turns being the waiter and guest.

    Puppet Play

    • Draw a face on a small paper bag and show this sample hand puppet to your child. Invite him to draw a face onto another bag to create his puppet. Repeat the activity to make a puppet family. Put on brief skits with the child on the theme of eating together and use the opportunity to model appropriate table etiquette. The puppets could take turns asking one another to pass objects on the table, such as the salt or a plate of peas, saying "Please pass."

    Manners Manual

    • Borrow or buy a children's picture book that uses rhymes and illustrations to humorously depict such dining blunders as talking with a mouth full of food or getting up from the table without being excused. Read the book to the child and ask for his suggestions of what he might have done instead. Then, suggest that the child use scissors, paper and colored pencils to make a manual of his own, complete with drawings and poems about different scenarios that call for manners at the table.

    Tips

    • Children best learn table manners through reinforcement rather than scolding or lecturing, according to Packer. When children make mistakes at the table, verbally remind the child of the proper behavior in that instance. According to the Child Fun website, positive yet sincere and specific remarks such as "Good try, most of the cereal is in the bowl" or "I noticed you helped your brother get a drink" go a long way to encourage good manners at the table. Whatever the age, remember to keep the games light and fun. It's important to teach the child correct ways to behave and respond without overemphasizing their mistakes and setbacks.

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