You must admit that when your kids act in any particular way,
you feel as though it is a reflection of you. Quite frankly, it
is. When your kids do well, you accept the credit because their success
is primarily due to your rearing. However, when they do
something wrong, you have to also accept that it is due to your guidance, at
least while they are young and impressionable. That’s okay. I view
it as an opportunity to address and correct the issue and ensure that it does not occur
again. This applies to many situations, including dining etiquette.
In my experience, one of the main keys to kids displaying
successful table manners is to lead by example. Once our children witness
how we dine, they will eventually follow suit. From placing the napkin on
your lap before eating to which utensil to eat with each part of the meal to
general table manners, they will conform.
We can tell them what to do, but there is greater power in
emulation. Teach them and they may follow;
show them and they will follow.
Make dining etiquette a priority in your family’s life!
