{"id":655,"date":"2019-10-16T09:30:38","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T09:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/?p=655"},"modified":"2020-01-10T19:20:46","modified_gmt":"2020-01-10T19:20:46","slug":"fix-bad-table-manners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/fix-bad-table-manners/","title":{"rendered":"Table Manners for Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever have a child spit out their food or shout, “Yuck!” in front of company? I have. It’s a bit unpleasant. As we approach the holiday season, table manners for kids becomes more relevant. In this post, I will be sharing one of my favorite ways to teach table manners in a fun and meaningful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"bad<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Teaching Children Table Manners and Etiquette<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kids who are taught table manners feel valued and included. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kids who feel valued and included are less likely to ask for attention in less desirable ways. See where this is heading?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A child doesn’t come with table manners built in. This type of etiquette must be taught through examples of modeling and role playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Please Pass the Turkey’ is a game to play with young children that allows them to have fun while learning about the importance of table manners. I have included a table manners for kids printable<\/strong> to make set-up a breeze!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n

\"table<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Table Manners for Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Should kids be expected to use manners at the table? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aren’t we supposed to “Let Them Be Little”?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"thanksgiving<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

According to scholastic.com<\/a>, ”  \u201cGood manners are social skills that help your kid succeed in class, with friends, with future employers. They give him the confidence to navigate his world,\u201d says Post Senning.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helping young kids understand what it means to be a pleasant table guest will help them feel more comfortable as they partake in family traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have Realistic Expectations for Kids and their Table Manners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kids will be kids. Have realistic expectations when starting to teach a child about table manners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"young<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR PRESCHOOLER:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
  • Sitting nicely in their own chair with their arms and legs in their own space. <\/li>
  • Placing a napkin on their lap.<\/li>
  • Using table etiquette with their fork and knife. <\/li>
  • Talking at a pleasant volume.<\/li>
  • Saying “please” and “thank you” throughout the meal. <\/li>
  • Telling you “no thank you” if there is a dish they would rather not sample.<\/li>
  • Sitting at the table and asking to be excused when finished. <\/li>
  • Ask the host if they can be helpful in some way when the meal is over.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    WHAT NOT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR PRESCHOOLER:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    • Staying at the table until all <\/em>of the adults are done chatting (depending on your family, this could take awhile).<\/li>
    • Eating everything on their plate. <\/li>
    • A clean face. Kids this age might still be messy eaters. This will come with time. Developmentally, this is right on par for their age. <\/li>
    • Being involved in the conversations. If your child is feeling shy at the table, it’s okay. They aren’t being rude by not partaking in the conversation. Let them eat in peace.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      USE ROLE PLAY TO MINIMIZE UNPLEASANT HOLIDAY MELTDOWNS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Often times, holidays mean a major break in routine. This can include altered meal times, increased travel, omission of nap time, and even late bed times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      For some kids, this break in normalcy leads to a break down<\/em><\/strong> and if you’ve spent a great deal of time with young kids you know that they will work to gain control in often times unpleasant ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Help kids prepare for Thanksgiving by having a discussion about what they can expect at the dinner table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n