Photo: sean dreilinger / Flickr

When your little one throws their peas and carrots across the floor, as a parent, you tend to look the other way, but if that same child is still doing it 10 years later, then you should be worried. Table manners do not come naturally; they have to be taught. It is up to you as the parent to teach your child manners and lead by example. This, of course, will not be easy as children are messy eaters who love using their hands when they eat. Some children are anti-social at mealtimes and will have to learn to participate in conversations. Mealtimes can really become a family bonding experience as well as an educational one if you persist with whatever rules you put in place.

What should I teach my child?

Although much of our table manners have taken a backseat as society becomes more relaxed, some of them are still vital. It is important to instill these rules in your child from an early age so that it eventually becomes a natural part of their behaviour. Some manners that you can teach your little one are to chew with their mouth closed, to refrain from burping at the table and to talk only after they have swallowed their food. Explain why the rules are there and never tell your child to do anything that you do not do. Young kids mimic their parents and they will look to you to see how it is done.

Make it fun

Remember that mealtime is also family time and if you spend it disciplining and lecturing your child, no one will enjoy their dinner. Remind your child if they forget, but try not to dwell on their manners. Certain rules will take a while to get used to and if you are really struggling, you can always incorporate games and quizzes to help your child remember them.

Not all cultures adhere to the same sets of rules and it is important to make your child aware of this. Other kids may follow different behaviour patterns and you do not want your child correcting others out of turn.

Tags: children, Parenting, teaching