Parents often complain about their children misbehaving at the dining table, especially when outside their home or in the presence of a guest. Such a scenario can be avoided if parents teach table manners to their child from an early age. Teaching table manners to children is simply an extension of teaching them basic manners. It all boils down to giving respect --making sure that children are respectful of the food on the table, and the people around them.

To get started, make sure that your children are always seated at the dining chair after having cleaned their hands and face. Sitting with dirty hands or face is not only rude to those around her, but more importantly, it is unhygienic and unhealthy. Next, parents should pay attention to their children’s body posture at the dining table. They should sit upright with the napkins on their laps, and not put their elbows (or other body parts) on the table. Moreover, gently remind your children that are courteous to talk to others around in the table, which also means keeping their hands and attention off any electronic device. While doing so, teach your children to avoid getting choked on food by only talking after swallowing, and to chew food with their mouths closed. Also, tell them that it is impolite to be loud and or make rude noises such as burping or slurping. Let them also know that it is rude to pass bad hurtful comments about the food, especially in front of the cook. On the other hand, let them express how much they love the food if they like the food, and have them thank the host or whoever prepared the meal. Lastly, be an example yourself and practice what you preach everyday at your dining table. Your good table manners will surely rub off on your children. And rest assured, you won’t have to worry about your little angels at any dining table.