Dinner Conversations & Manners

It helps when you start dining out with your kids to start with restaurants that are more family friendly and where you are not as invested in the meal. You can also practice at home with family meals and asking kids to stay at the table until everyone is finished. Tell the kids the rules when they are dining out as well as the consequences for poor behavior and make sure to follow through.

Pack a little bag that you leave in your car for times when you are dining out. Put in crayons, paper, Mad Libs, small books, playing cards, etc. (Small things that will keep your kids busy with out being noisy.) 

Have your kids run around or take a short walk for a few minutes before you sit down to burn off energy. 

Order right away so that kids are not to tired by the time the food arrives. You can always start with the kids meals while you have a glass of wine and then have the adult entrees brought while the kids enjoy dessert.

--Submitted by Tara Stockton, Mind Your Manners

Keep it simple for the very young. Remember, today is not too early to start. Since we no longer live in an age where children and adults eat separately, it is up to parents to teach the basics. First, make it a rule, that eating with fingers are not an option - ever. Even a one-year-old can handle a spoon. Where appropriate, encourage your little one to use the spoon as much as possible. Cut pieces small enough to fit, and give praise for the effort made. Remember that they imitate you. For the two- to five-year-old set, kiddie forks can be added to the spoon. At that age, they hold tools in a fist - perfectly acceptable and appropriate. Remind your children to periodically wipe their mouths and hands on their napkins, rather than on their shirts.