How to improve children's table manners?

Communicating why table manners are important is the first step and this should be done when your child is not hungry or tired. Children are more likely to carry out tasks without complaint if they understand why and are excited by the prospect of doing so. You can get your child excited about exercising good table manners by explaining that babies and toddlers are too young to manage such a task, but they are now old enough to learn the grown-up way to eat at a table. Set expectations of what good table manners include from the start. Explain that table manners include using cutlery correctly and speaking at an appropriate volume, without food in their mouth and only when others are not talking. Remember to explain that arriving at the table when asked to and not leaving until they are excused are all part of good table manners. Give your child a quick recap on the manners you are looking to see before your next meal and then let them exercise what they have understood. Praising good behaviour rather than picking up on things they are not doing correctly will be more motivating at the start of the process, though do give them pointers on what they can improve on next time.

Good manners and social confidence begin at the family table. To improve children's table manners, set a good example, as our children learn so much just by watching us, so if needed, brush up on your own table manners. Have a plan, make a list of the table manners that you want your family to know and use, and I suggest working on two table manners skills a week. Keep table manners learning fun and light-hearted, your family can enjoy learning together, and do your best not to nag and fuss, positive reminders work best. Make table manners your family’s everyday good habits, manners aren’t just for special occasions, so this means using manners at every meal and in every setting. Set a family goal to complete your list of table manners learning by a certain date, and plan a celebration dinner when you complete the list.