12 Table Manners Children Should Know

Where do we start when teaching our young children table manners, can you give us the basics, Didi?

–Carolina, New York, New York

Teach children that table manners matter by having good manners yourself that you role model for them. Monkey see, monkey do. As you can see here Mrs. Trump with her elbow on the table is not a model for good table manners.

Melanie, Melanie, if you’re able,
keep your elbows off the table.

And Melanie, keep your napkin on your lap!

12 Table Basic Table Manners Children Should Know

Don’t take more than you can eat.
Never put your elbows on the table because you could tip over your beverage glass.
Keep your napkin laid out across your lap to catch food that falls, and leave it on the table when you leave your chair.
Don’t put too much food in your mouth.
“Please” and “thank you” should be used all the time.
Don’t talk with your mouth full or the food will fall out.
Answer as soon as you are spoken to.
Teach your children to disagree respectfully.
Ask to be excused from the table and take your plate to the sink.
After opening a door, hold it open for the person behind you.
If you lift the toilet seat, place it back down after peeing.
And be sure to wash your hands.