Teaching teens table manners

Teaching teens table manners start by eating with them. If you're not around to critique or teach them, then there is no use in talking about this subject. Being with them and making it a point to share meals with them will give you the opportunity to make comments, change behaviors and connect with your teenager.

Meals shared by families help a child or teen develop healthy and socially acceptable habits. If you haven't started on table manners before your child becomes a teen this may be a little hard to achieve. Remember to start show, choose your battles wisely and that Rome was not built in a day. Prioritize what needs to be addressed the quickest. Does your child eat with his/her mouth open? Are they not using a napkin? Do they tend to eat with their hands instead of utensils? Pick an area and address it while at the lunch/dinner table. Try to resist harping on it and always leave it at the table. Refrain from bringing it back up until the next meal and only if they continue to do it again.

When teaching your teenager table manners remember to do this as a family and not in front of company or extended family members. If you embarrass a teen they are less likely to respond to your teaching or suggestions. Encouraging them to change their behaviors will get your further than embarrassing them. Teenagers are hard to reach so be careful of when you point out behaviors that need to be changed and try to explain why you are saying it. If they talk with their mouth full, give them an example about eating in front of boys/girls they like and how that may seem gross to them. Giving examples will allow them to visualize what you are talking about and connect it to their world.

Teenagers know everything so the first few times you point things out with them you may get the typical "I know Mom or Dad". Don't let this discourage you because even when you think a teenager isn't listening they are and will carry it with them. Love them and guide them through life because if you don't teach them good manners (table or otherwise), then who will?

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