How to Remind Kids About Table Manners

As your child begins eating on his own, table manners will become a necessity. At the start, you will probably notice that he eats with his hands, throws food on the floor and reaches over your plate, but you can break these behaviors very quickly with the right plan. While it is necessary to explain the rules and act them out yourself, you will be rewarded with a child that develops table manners of which you can be proud, according to HealthyChildren.org.

Things You'll Need

  • Dinner place settings
  • Cutlery
  • Napkins

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit down together to eat your meals, recommends HealthyChildren.org. This gives you the opportunity to view your child's manners in person and to make corrections when they arise. Have her wait at the table until everyone is seated before she begins eating her meal.

    • 2

      Use proper table manners yourself, as this sets a good example for your child, according to HealthyChildren.org. If your child sees you watching television or talking with your mouth full during meals, he is likely to emulate this behavior himself. By eating in a civilized manner, you can show your child the right way to do things.

    • 3

      Observe her table manners and let her know when she has done something rude, suggests the Scholastic website. Children are often unaware that they have done something wrong until you let them know about it, so making a verbal correction is important. Small corrections, such as getting her to sit still or telling her to chew with her mouth closed, can go a long way toward making large overall improvements at the table.

    • 4

      Praise him when he uses his table manners correctly. Even if is it something minor, such as using a spoon the right way, let him know that you are pleased with his manners. This allows him to see the difference between good manners and bad manners, rather than only bringing attention to the bad manners, according to Advice with Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee.

    • 5

      Use playtime to teach her further about how to act at the table, reports Scholastic. If she is pretending to serve a meal to her dolls, have her use words like, "Please" and "Thank you" throughout the interaction. In doing so, you make manners a part of her everyday life, which makes it easier to bring this behavior to the table.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Less Scream Time
      Young children often scream when they feel frustrated or the need for your attention. If screaming helps them feel less frustrated or gives them your immediate attention, they will continue this behavior. To stop the pattern, here is what some p
    • Saying No to Kids and Actually Mean It
      Whether you tell your child he can’t go outside and play because it’s too cold, or you say no when he asks to go a friend’s house before he’s finished his homework, hearing the word ‘no’ once in a while can be good for kids. It sets a clear bounda
    • How to Deal With a Lazy Child
      Parents and children communicate through their behavior, according to PBS.org. Children who appear lazy send a message that they need help, and parents can respond appropriately after wrapping up some detective work. You might discover more than one