When it comes to table manners, is your child more caveman than cute? Teaching your child the proper expectations at mealtime is one of those things you'll want to get an early start on. Your child is never too young to start learning. In fact, taking the time to teach your child good table manners will likely save you from a whole lot of embarrassment among family and friends. While there's no need to sign your child up for etiquette classes - at least not yet - there are some basic tenets for getting your child started on the right note. Always encourage children to chew with their mouths closed. If they have something to say, they should wait until their mouths are no longer full to do so. Unless your child is a baby, the only foods that should be eaten with fingers are finger foods. Everything else should be consumed with a fork or a spoon. Elbows should be off the table. Children should sit up straight and practice good posture while eating instead of hunching over their plates.
Do not allow comments such as "gross, ewww, nasty" at the table. Encourage children to eat slowly and take their time while eating. If children want something off the table, they should ask for it to be passed. They shouldn't be reaching across the table for anything. Before every meal, have your child place a napkin in his or her lap. Explain to your child that he should use the napkin to wipe his hands or face. If your child wipes his mouth on his clothes, remind him that that's what napkins are for. Use positive reinforcement to show your support for your child's attempt at good table manners. Compliment his excellent skills and praise him when he does well. And remember, there's no better way to teach your children good manners than to lead by example.