Table Time Dinnerware Set

We love our Time for Manners Dinnerware Set for toddlers and young children. There is an educational place mat that teaches kids where to place the dish, napkin, glass,fork, knife and spoon. The plastic ware is high quality, safe and very colorful. The image of Merlin Manners is on each piece of the dinnerware set. The utensils have indents for little fingers to train them to hold the utensils properly. We also included a 30 minute video, Table Time, to show the children how to use the dinnerware set.

One mom told me that her 4 year old son calls the dinnerware set his "good china" and wants to use it at each meal. Please visit the Time for Manners site to learn more about training your little one to eat their meal more easily and as well as the older siblings of the family.

Napkins are Nice

I keep some cloth napkins, that don't need to ironed, in a stack in my drawers so we can use them at mealtime. It just adds to the importance of a meal and at the same time teaches children to use a napkin the right way. Paper napkins always slide off the lap and get crumpled so quickly. A cloth napkin helps to keep a child's clothes clean, trains them to keep their mouth tidy and even helps them to sit still at the table. A cloth napkin will fall on the floor with too much squirming at the table. The napkin is only opened half-way, never opened so it is like a mini table cloth on the lap!

Never place a dirty napkin back on the table while people are still eating. If you need to be excused for a short time, the napkin is placed with the dirty side folded inward on to the chair. At the end of the meal and everyone leaves the table, the napkin can be placed on the table in a neat fold. Practice at home and soon the action will become like second nature. Mind your Manners!

Hats off for You!!

Many times I see boys, young men and mature men come into a restaurant and they don't take off their hat. Most have the baseball hat on but I've seen some older guys with the fashionable fedora hat on their head and they neglect to take it off too.

All hats must come off in a restaurant to show good manners. Whether it is a diner, fast food or family restaurant all hats on men should be removed. The rule is mostly tradition but it is a custom that has been important for many years.

Teach children at home to prepare for mealtime by taking off their hat and combing their hair. Most everyone remembers to wash their hands but coming to the table prepared will show respect for the person that has cooked the meal. A nice appearance at mealtime teaches children that a family meal is important and they should prepare for the time together.

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

Don't grip that glass!

Children as well as adults should learn how to properly drink from a cup or glass. Never put the entire hand around a glass and then drink.

The glass should be held in the fingers with all four fingers and thumb firmly on the glass.

Sit tall and lift the glass to the mouth, never bend over with the head down. Lips are placed on the edge of the glass and a small sip is taken.

The same drinking manners work for small kids, teens and adults. Also remember, no slurping or drinking with food in the mouth.

Toddlers and preschoolers should practice the same way as older children. It will become "second nature" and remembered always.

Good table manners need to be practiced daily whether at home, school or in a restaurant. Mom and Dads....be consistent!

Forks can be friendly too.

I wish moms and dads would be consistent in encouraging children to use their utensils the proper way.

If children can feed themselves then they can hold their fork or spoon the traditional way.

The shovel method is awkward and only lets children eat too fast and with too much food on the fork/spoon.

Children learn to hold crayons the right way early in life so you know they can learn to properly hold their dining utensil. Mom and dad need to make sure they set a good example at the table and don't get lazy with their habits.

Children learn by example and parents can really help in teaching good table manners.