by Dr. Z
December 1 2009
Categories: Parenting Tips
Wanting our children to grow into well-mannered adults is a common wish among parents. Meal time is an important time to help your children develop habits and behaviors that will help them relate to adults and other children in a positive way.
At Primrose schools, children sit down for meals and carry on conversations with their teachers and classmates. We believe this is important because it helps children understand the meaning of sharing a meal and how to interact with others.
I have always found that children learn best when they are involved and expectations are clear. They also need established routines, which allow them opportunities to observe and participate. I never had much success trying to “teach” my children table manners when I made them the primary topic of meal time talk. Experience taught me that if I wanted to insert reminders and demonstrate good table manners, meal times needed to be relaxed and filled with meaningful conversation.
