Why are table manners so important?
Good table manners set the foundation for other important manners like respect for others, self-confidence, and being considerate.
As our children grow and leave the nest, we want them to be confident and prepared for life.
Think about all the important events that take place while dining- celebrations, meetings, interviews, dates, and business networking.
Our children need to be ready.
Let’s make table manners part of our children’s everyday good habits.
Not long ago I was a busy mom like you and I knew my kids needed to learn good table manners.
My nagging and pleading at the table didn’t work and it was certainly not fun for any of us!
So, I found a better way. I changed my thinking and I decided we were going to make learning table manners an adventure rather than something we all dreaded.
I made a plan and became more intentional about our family meals.
Teaching your family good manners can be fun and stress-free!
Here’s what worked for my family:
Set a good example. First, brush up on your own table manners. There are many good books on the subject. My favorite resource is the 19th edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette.
Make a list of the table manners that you want your family to know and use. Then break down the list into mini-lessons. I suggest working on one or two table manners skills a week. Master one at a time and check them off the list as you learn.
Keep table manners learning fun and light-hearted. Your family can enjoy learning together! Don’t nag and fuss. Positive reminders work best.
Make table manners your everyday good habits. They aren’t just for special occasions. Your goal is to make good table manners part of your children’s habits, so this means using manners at every meal and in every setting. Whether it’s breakfast at home, a quick lunch at Subway, or a special dinner at a restaurant- good manners matter.
Set a family goal to complete your list of table manners learning by a certain date. I set a goal to complete our table manners learning within six weeks and we did it! Plan a celebration dinner when you complete the list. Have a nice meal at home by candlelight dinner or go to your favorite restaurant. Dress up, take pictures, and make it a fun family memory!
I can be your family’s table manners teacher! Please read this special announcement:
As we are all “Safer at Home” right now, I really want to share and be helpful. Do you know about my online course, The Family Table Manners Boot Camp? You and your family will love it! It’s simple, easy to follow, and fun. While we are all “Safer at Home”, this is the perfect time to learn table manners and make good memories together while dining.
Please join The Family Table Manners Boot Camp and “PAY WHAT YOU CAN”. If $0 is the best option for you right now, that is fine! I truly just want to be helpful and share this with as many families as possible.
All the info is here.
Let’s make the most of this unique time in our lives and learn, bond and make memories at our family tables.
I’ll send you The Busy Moms Guide to Raising Confident, Considerate, and Mannerly Kids right away. You’ll get my five best tips to help you teach your children good manners at home in a fun and stress-free way. Plus I’ll share simple lessons to use at home along with a few surpises. Just enter your email below:
