An important foundation of good table manners is knowing how to correctly use silverware. Knowing either the Continental and American method of eating, how to cut food correctly with the knife and fork, and the silent signals are skills children can master with a little instruction and guidance.
Let’s look at the silent signals. These can be learned quickly by even young children.
Here’s a quick and easy explanation to help you teach the silent signals to your family at your next meal. Be sure to see the pictures below.
#1- Used silverware should never be set back on the tabletop.
#2- Servers in restaurants are trained to recognize the silent signals. Using the silent signals at every meal (when dining out and at home) show you are confident and mannerly.
#3- There are two slightly different variations of the silent signals. One is for the Continental method of eating and the other is for the American method. Both are considered to be good manners!
#4- The knife blades are always turned inwards towards you.
#4- The knife blades are always turned inwards towards you.
The American Method
The Continental Method
PS) Would you like more help teaching your family good manners? For my very best tips plus simple lessons to help you teach your family good manners at home, enter your email below. I’ll send you The Busy Moms Guide to Raising Confident, Considerate, and Mannerly Kids right away.
