Elbows Off The Table!
I have two daughters, aged 2 and 4. What are the basic table manners I should be teaching them/expecting of them at this age?
Dr Pat Spungin replies:
Your children are young, but certainly your four-year-old can be expected to take on board some rudimentary table manners. If the four year old has good manners, what she does will be watched and copied by her younger sister.
At four, you can expect your child to eat in a relatively non-messy way. For example, they should be able to use utensils, but may need some help cutting things up.
You should also expect your children to sit at the table for a reasonable amount of time. If the two year old is still in the high chair then she has to stay put, but if she’s in a chair, she may get restless. Talk to your eldest daughter about how she can set a good example for her sister.
It’s never to early to start teaching your children to say please and thank-you. And some parents like their children to ask before they leave the table. Don’t forget the efforts of the chef! Lead by example and thank whoever prepared the meal and your children should follow suit.
