Teaching Table Manners

Teaching table manners is a long process and one that usually involves many years of prompts. What your child is ready to learn now, if he doesn't know it already:

Wait until everyone is served before starting to eat.

Put your napkin in your lap and use it only to wipe your mouth.

Don't comment about the food you don't like.

Put only as much on your fork or spoon as you can easily fit in your mouth.

Chew with your mouth closed.

Try not to slurp.

Use a knife and fork to cut food.


The best way to teach is as these situations naturally come up during a meal. If you model the correct manners (and sometimes gently nudge), your child will eventually catch on.