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
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Cut and Eat, that's the Right Way!
When you are having a meal with your family it is a good time to make some improvement and suggestions on dining manners. A comment made in general, as to not embarrass anyone, is a good way to begin to make some changes. Cutting up food is a tricky thing to do for most young children. However, I caution parents not to cut up the food all at once so there is a big mound of food in front of a child. Food should be eaten as it is cut and even young children can learn to do this for themselves. A big mound of meat, vegetables or even pancakes can feel overwhelming and then a child won't even attempt to eat their meal. Small portions, utensils that fit small hands, the TV off and the family together will make dinner time a pleasant occasion.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Importance of Family Dinner for Children
In a study conducted by a professor of education at Harvard's Graduate School, it was concluded, that family dinners offered opportunities for children to learn vocabulary building words that will help them read well by the third grade. There are so many benefits to the family dinner, not just eating together. Another benefit is the feeling of belonging to the family. When the family is scattered with after school activities and everyone eats "on the run" then the coming together gets put on the sidelines and the closeness of the family unit can suffer.
At least 4 nights a week, including the weekend, is a good start to try to get together for meals. This is a great time for children to talk about their day; their triumphs or their fears. Listening to each other is another skill that is learned. No interrupting or certainly teasing should not be tolerated during the family meal time.
If this time feels awkward in the beginning think of a few topics to bring up during dinner. This could be dreams during the night, plans for a family vacation or a movie that can be watched as a family. Children love to feel safe and feel a part of a family, no matter how young.
At least 4 nights a week, including the weekend, is a good start to try to get together for meals. This is a great time for children to talk about their day; their triumphs or their fears. Listening to each other is another skill that is learned. No interrupting or certainly teasing should not be tolerated during the family meal time.
If this time feels awkward in the beginning think of a few topics to bring up during dinner. This could be dreams during the night, plans for a family vacation or a movie that can be watched as a family. Children love to feel safe and feel a part of a family, no matter how young.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Graciously Accepting Gifts, Gadgets, and Games
The holiday time is a wonderful time of the year for teaching life lessons on accepting gifts from family and friends. Young children are always eager to do the right thing and in doing the right thing the kids will feel confident in social situations.
Receiving gifts from friends and family members should always be received with a clear, spoken thank you. I see children that grab gifts and tear them open without accepting with a polite thank you. This can be practiced with small children at home before attending a gathering where gifts are exchanged. I always told my children that if someone took the time to shop and wrap a gift then they could take the time to write a note of thanks for the gift too.
Grandparents especially want to know that their thoughtfulness is appreciated and properly acknowledged.
Another job for parents is coaching children on what to do if the child already has the gift or they don't like the gift. Again practice at home so children know the right thing to do.
Teach children to say thank you with a smile and explain to children before hand that the gift can be exchanged and they should be grateful for the gift and express thanks. Whether the present is a gift, gadget or game say THANK YOU.
Happy Holidays and remember, "It's Always Time for Manners"
Receiving gifts from friends and family members should always be received with a clear, spoken thank you. I see children that grab gifts and tear them open without accepting with a polite thank you. This can be practiced with small children at home before attending a gathering where gifts are exchanged. I always told my children that if someone took the time to shop and wrap a gift then they could take the time to write a note of thanks for the gift too.
Grandparents especially want to know that their thoughtfulness is appreciated and properly acknowledged.
Another job for parents is coaching children on what to do if the child already has the gift or they don't like the gift. Again practice at home so children know the right thing to do.
Teach children to say thank you with a smile and explain to children before hand that the gift can be exchanged and they should be grateful for the gift and express thanks. Whether the present is a gift, gadget or game say THANK YOU.
Happy Holidays and remember, "It's Always Time for Manners"
Monday, December 6, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Still Sounds Right
I always taught our three sons to address our friends by Mr. and Mrs. The title shows respect and good manners. Is this old fashioned or is it still proper to do?
I feel it is one way to teach our children respect in a world where children, as well as teens, are failing to be taught respect for authority, teachers, and adults. By addressing an adult with Mr. or Mrs. the title puts just the right distance between a child and adult. I think it is a big mistake for children to call their teachers by their first names. Yes, there are schools that promote familiarity and "we're all equal" feeling but the teacher is the authority in the classroom and should be held in high regard and addressed properly.
As a grown woman I still wouldn't think of calling my parents friends by their first name. I was taught respect at a young age and because of that, my parents knew their teachings would last a lifetime.
What do you think?
I feel it is one way to teach our children respect in a world where children, as well as teens, are failing to be taught respect for authority, teachers, and adults. By addressing an adult with Mr. or Mrs. the title puts just the right distance between a child and adult. I think it is a big mistake for children to call their teachers by their first names. Yes, there are schools that promote familiarity and "we're all equal" feeling but the teacher is the authority in the classroom and should be held in high regard and addressed properly.
As a grown woman I still wouldn't think of calling my parents friends by their first name. I was taught respect at a young age and because of that, my parents knew their teachings would last a lifetime.
What do you think?
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