Conversation at the Dinner Table can be Creative!

Dinner time is very important to families. It is a time to reconnect and share the days trials and triumphs. The family dinner table is always a good place to practice learning how to be comfortable with conversation at the table.

Conversation helps with the pace of the dinner too. So many times, I hear about families that rush to eat and the dinner is over. One suggestion is that one person thinks up a topic and each member of the family adds an idea or comment. It could be about sports, TV shows, a new friend, a book or a current event. In the beginning it may feel awkward but with practice. the conversation will flow and everyone will benefit from the closeness conversation can create.

Remember to Mind your Manners at the table!!!

Holly Beth Moncher

Better Manners at Holiday Buffets

In our home, the elders or grandparents are the honored guests to go first in a buffet line. Why do some families allow children to dig in and mess up a beautifully prepared buffet? Grandmas and Grandpas go first, followed by moms and children that need help, followed by the hungry men of the family.

Children need to learn restraint and respect for the older family members. It's the right thing to do.

If a grace or blessing is said before the meal is eaten then it is a good idea to stand by your chair and say the blessing and then start the buffet. That way everyone is together for the blessing of the food.

The etiquette for when to begin eating at a buffet is that when three people are at the table everyone can begin to enjoy their meal.

Again, it is so helpful for children to know what is expected of them before a family holiday meal. They are more comfortable in the situation and the parents can enjoy a relaxing time knowing the children are doing the right thing.

Family meals are a very important time and should be a special, stress-free event.

Happy Holidays and remember, It's Always Time for Manners.

5 tips for Mannerly Children at McDonalds

Yes, it is "Always Time for Manners". That's what Merlin Manners says on the Time for Manners videos. Even at McDonalds, children can be taught to behave and eat with respect for others.

Here are 5 helpful tips for families and friends:

1. While standing in line, decide what everyone would like to eat so that others won't have to wait behind you in line. Let's be prompt and polite.

2. Always eat on the paper or on the tray in case the table has not been cleaned properly.

3. The rule for eating a hamburger or sandwich is that if it is too big to hold in one hand then it should be cut in half. Only little animals eat with two hands!!

4. We all love the french fries with catsup but the catsup should be put on the paper and the fries dipped into the catsup. Never, squirted all over the mound of french fries and then eaten.

5. Clean off the table of all paper, cups and food so the next family will enjoy their meal too.

If it is necessary to eat fast food then make sure that manners aren't forgotten and your family will have a good time together, that is the most important part of the mealtime.