Teaching kids table manners

Reinforcement

To follow the rules, your kids need you to explain what table manners are expected of them. Here’s how to ensure that your youngster not only picks up, but retains, his etiquette lessons for this Thanksgiving’s spread:

• Begin with the general concept of manners and associate proper holiday dinner behavior with how she makes others feel
• Start with one rule at a time, choosing which behaviors are deal breakers and which you can ignore
• Teach by example and show your kiddies the good manners you’re advocating
• Be consistent and nip bad table behavior in the bud every time
• Give lots of praise; children respond to positive reinforcement, so recognize when they are practicing good manners

Practice makes perfect, so begin teaching tableside behavior as soon as possible to ensure a pleasant Thanksgiving for everyone.

 more Thanksgiving tips:

• Holiday travel tips for moms
• Sandra Lee’s Thanksgiving side dishes
• Thanksgiving recipes, crafts and more
• How to teach your toddler table manners