In this fast paced world, finding time to eat together as a family seems almost impossible. Mornings are always a rush with Dad and even Mom running off to work, kids scampering in different directions to catch the school bus, the car pool or bicycle off to school. Evenings are no different with parents sometimes having to work late and kids being put to bed by baby sitters. So, it is possibly a dream for most parents to have well-mannered toddlers. However, starting young is the key to having well behaved kids who will observe proper table manners.

Training toddlers in the basic table manners is not impossible and having a child who does not scream, throw food around the table, bang the spoons or cry and spit out food is possible with patience and perseverance. Starting to teach kids table manners at the toddler stage is much easier than waiting till they have grown older. At this point, it is difficult to get them to listen and to learn. So, even if parents are too busy, families must take time to eat at least one meal together at which point, everyone should be encouraged to be on their best behavior.

It is easier for busy moms to just feed a toddler in front of the television. Food will go down quicker and work will get done faster. However, a meal together will encourage toddlers to watch and imitate their parents, which is the best way to learn good table manners. Of course, for this, parents must have good table manners themselves. It may sound very simple, but setting a good example which a toddler will mimic is the best way to teach good behavior.

Parents and older siblings who say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when required will demonstrate good manners which a toddler will automatically follow. This does not mean that they will not throw tantrums. Gentle correction and teaching the right behavior, explaining to your toddler how to behave can quickly teach them the proper behavior at the table. Table manners will be carried forward in other behavior too. So, when kids go out for a meal, stay over at a friend’s place and such, they will continue to demonstrate proper manners.

Basic table manners are an asset that can help one even in their work place. Very often, a person’s job description could include entertaining clients, going out for business parties etc. If they do not demonstrate decent table manners, chances are that they may even be passed up for a promotion. So, it is the duty of every parent to help their children be a success in this extremely competitive world with not only a good education, but also basic social skills that include good table manners.

Here are some basic table manners that can be taught to kids before they reach the age of six:
– Wash up before sitting at the table
– Sit at their designated seat at the table
– Place the napkin on their lap
– Wait for everyone to sit
– Sit still and do not wriggle about
– Don’t place elbows on the table
– Use polite phrases like
o Please
o Thank you
o Please pass the …
o May I be excused
– Do not make loud sounds like slurping or burping
– Take small bites and do not chew loudly
– Take part in the conversation without shouting or interrupting
– Do not make rude comments about the food
– Always help with the clearing up

Along with these basic table manners, kids must also be taught about what cutlery to use for what food, like which is the soup spoon or dessert spoon etc. Toddlers or young children are not going to be introduced to formal four course meals. So, simple rules on usage of plates and cutlery is all that is necessary. They can pick up other tips as they grow older.

Good manners are not something you are born with but acquire either through learning or observing those around you. So, for a toddler, parents are the role models and hence, exhibiting good table manners on your part is a must. Another important thing to remember is to always praise kids when they demonstrate good behavior so that they will feel motivated to learn and exhibit the appropriate table manners.

Author Bio: Article by Kevin Corten of EPatioUmbrellas, who is also a specialist in parenting. For more information on patio umbrella and market umbrellas, visit his site today.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: Training toddlers, toddlers