Manners matter at mealtime

By Rozie Juma

Times have changed, and with many people working late or going for evening classes, there are few gatherings around the family dinner table. However, this does not mean that mealtime etiquette should also die. It is manners that differentiate us from animals. Here are some tips to help you ensure you can distinguish between mealtimes in your house and a zoo:

Basics: All children should know how to say ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘excuse me’. Motivate your two-year-old to ask politely when they want something. Toddlers are too young to question the importance of manners, so it is important to start early.

Silverware: Many people do not know when to use spoon or fork. The number of cutlery items is determined by the number of courses. If, for instance, there are three forks, it means a salad, entrée and dessert will be served. Always start with the outermost cutlery and move inwards.

Napkin: Children should be encouraged to place napkins on their laps. This gesture oozes sophistication and shows that your children were brought up well. The napkin should be used to dab, not smear, the sides of the mouth. Teach your children not to blow their noses at the dining table.

Patience: Teach your children to wait until everyone is served and until the hostess (most of the time mum) is seated before they start indulging in the meal.

Closed mouth: The children should know that eating with food in their mouth is a no, no. They should also avoid making smacking noises as they eat. If they have to speak, they should only do so between bites.

Conversation: Even as they speak at the table, children should wait their turn and not speak when adults are speaking. Children can join in the conversation by way of asking someone a question about themselves.

Eating: Always bring the food to your mouth, not the other way around. Encourage children to sit up straight, and bring the food to their mouth. Elbows should not be placed on the table.

Food consumption: Children should also learn the proper way to eat food. Soup should be spooned away from you. Tear a piece of bread off, butter it then eat it; do not shove the whole piece into your mouth. If using a knife during the meal, rest it on the side of the plate between bites.

Clearing the table: This rule is a must. A well-mannered girlfriend or boyfriend who cleans up the table without being asked impresses future in-laws.