Teach Your Child Tip-Top Table Manners

Sometimes it can be tough to remember that your young child isn't yet practiced in good table manners, so use every opportunity to reinforce them. When you feel your child has reached the appropriate age, begin working on one or two table manners at a time. Once your child has mastered these, sprinkle in some new ones. One of the best ways to do this is to allow your child to pass and receive items at the table, as well as to thank and be thanked for doing so.

When working on one or two particular manners, come up with one-word reminders that can be used anywhere. For instance, say "elbow" as a reminder to remove hers from the table, or "napkin" to remind her to wipe her mouth or place heir's in her lap. This will create a positive situation where your child gets the hint that she needs, but doesn't feel reprimanded in the process.

If you find that you have a child that likes to talk while his mouth is full of food, sit him down away from the dinner table and explain that not only do you find it disgusting to see his half chewed food, but you can't understand what he is saying when speaks while chewing. Children are fairly self absorbed creatures, so they'll want you to hear exactly what they're saying. If your toddler likes to throw or smear food at mealtimes, simply sitting nearby should reduce these behaviors. Since a toddler is too young to understand why he shouldn't throw food, redirection will work for now.

Of course, dining in a restaurant or in someone else's home is a totally different experience then eating in your own home, so teach your child accordingly. For example, let your son know that it is okay to say "no thank you", when someone serves something he knows that he dislikes. Or better yet, teach him to accept a small portion of anything he is served, and hopefully he'll broaden his horizons. Always remind your child that they should try at least a bite or two of everything they have been served.