The sight of tiny tots making an attempt to eat food on their own is fascinating. When a child tries to emulate its mother by putting food into the mouth, what we witness is a messy dining table.
So, parents may make an attempt to teach table manners to youngsters as early as possible to prevent such habits from persisting.
Here are some tips to make kids understand the importance of proper etiquette at the dining table.
Sit with the child
When a kid starts eating on its own, parents may sit alongside. This is to guide the child on keeping the food containers on the dining table at their proper positions. Friendly advice can also be given on not making a mess on the table. If there are two kids, a sort of competition can be held on who wastes less food and keeps the place clean.
Chew the food
Kids may be taught how to properly chew food before swallowing. But at the same time tell the child not to make sounds while chewing. During meal time, parents can sit with the child, who will be curious how elders eat. Parents also need to demonstrate how to eat food without opening the mouth much.
Self-service
Youngsters should be advised to serve food themselves, where by they would practice taking food only as much as they need. At the dining table, kids will realise that the dish they need may be near another person. They will then learn to make a request to pass the dish. When the kid does this correctly, reward it with a smile.
Share food
When all family members are present in the house, teach the child that it should not eat alone. Also that it should never cry for food in front of others. When dining out kids should be instructed not to stare at others having food.
With guests
When there are guests, the best way to treat them is to engage in small talk while having their food. But they should never be lengthy or serious ones. When kids notice these factors, they will pick up good manners.
Moreover, long conversation between a meal affects digestion also.
Teach slowly
But take care to impart these lessons slowly. Teaching everything in one day may not be effective. When a kid is told not to stand on a chair or chew without making noise, it may get angry. However, if one instruction is given each day, the child may find it easier to pick up the tip.
Ensure that the lessons are learnt
During each meal, check whether the child is following the table manners. Soon, the kid may be pointing out errors parents commit at the table. The child could remind elders of proper manners. This is a sign that the child has made table manners a habit.
