Long gone are the days of formally teaching our children etiquette. No longer must they learn to bow or curtsey prettily, or to arch their pinky over the handle of their teacup. They aren’t expected to sit ramrod straight with hands folded, or to be seen and not heard.

Thank goodness! I have enough trouble teaching them how to floss! However, when dealing with children and manners, there are still some basics that should be addressed.

If your child shows just a rudimentary knowledge of etiquette, dinner can be a much nicer affair. Sometimes I wonder if people simply don’t realize when they have failed to teach their children any form of table manners at all.

It’s not just elbows on the table ( I am guilty of that one from time to time!) but chewing with your mouth open or wiping your mouth on your sleeve.

Sure they are just kids, but they will be young adults one day, and do you really want them to embarrass themselves? It’s not like they grow up and magically know these things. That is what we, the parents, are for!

Otherwise your teen may come home sobbing one day for being made fun of by her peers for burping loudly or using her napkin as a Kleenex. All of which can be avoided with just a word or two from you.

Moral of story? If you have kids, teach them basic table manners. Hey, if you don’t have kids, teach the neighbor’s! They will thank you someday. Not today, of course, today they will roll their eyes and go “Moo-ommm!”

But someday…

Sarah P

1. Lucy, July 24, 2008:

   Thanks! Now I feel guilty. My kids are 4 and 7. They definitely need some guidance. Do you know good online resources about the children etiquette?

2. Monic, July 24, 2008:

   Try http://www.familyeducation.com and

   http://parenting.slides.kaboose.com/152-children-s-etiquette-around-the-world

   Good Luck!

3. Gloria H, July 28, 2008:

   I found out I have to set a good example! Now if I forget and talk with my mouth full they sure catch me out! LOL