5 Tips for Pleasant Dinner Time with 3 Years Old

Three years old can start learning table manners, but they have to be practiced daily.

1. Little ones can learn what foods can be eaten with fingers and what foods should be eaten with a fork or spoon.

2. Wait until everyone is served before starting to eat.

3. Don't talk if you have some food in your mouth.

4. Use a napkin and place it on your lap.

5. Close your mouth while chewing.

This is a good start to pleasant dining at home, school or at a restaurant.

It's Always Time for Manners!

Nice and Neat in Restaurants

Any child can be taught to eat neatly in a restaurant, but they must be taught. Moms could bring a bib and the child's own dish and cup. This way there is a familiarity that makes children feel comfortable. I never like to see children eat off a tray without a proper bowl or dish. Children will learn to keep food on the tray more easily and not let it drop all over the floor when they are familiar with the dish ware. I know I don't like eating my meal next to children at a restaurant that have made a mess of the floor and the food is spread all over the table or tray.

Children as young as 3 can use small utensils and be praised for eating like a "big person". It is always hard for kids to use the restaurant's utensils so bringing a baggie with the child's own spoon or fork can make for a much nicer meal. Children want to learn the proper way to eat and to begin teaching children at a young age can only instill the action that will become second nature.

Proper use of the napkin is essential and can help with keeping clean while eating the meal.

Children learn by example and if everyone in the family cooperates with practicing good dining habits then everyone will have a wonderful family dining experience.

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.