Restaurant outings are a great way of socializing with the world and leaving a lasting impression on to others. Kids who are taught Restaurant Etiquette not only learn to abide by rules but also exhibit a certain amount of kindness and maturity at the table.
Teaching kids basic table manners is a good way of teaching them to show respect to the food and people around.
While dining out with kids is all about having fun and spending quality time, it also important to know they have their food preferences and their own temperamentality. As an etiquette coach I would like to share important & easy dining lessons for kids that parents can implement from early on.
1. Ordering Food
Ordering food can get tricky while dining with children. I recommend you prepare them for the kind of food they can expect at the restaurant before leaving home, it can save a lot of fuss at the table. This way the child knows and can decide for themselves while choosing a meal. You can help them make the right choice or request the wait staff to customise a bit to suit your kids taste preference.
2. Patience
Yes, I know what you are thinking? It is in their very nature to get impatient while waiting for the food to come to table. Explain to them that it is a process to get the food ready and it may take time, keep them occupied in conversations. For young kids carry some activity, puzzle book to help them divert attention from food. Tell them to take a walk, for young kids parents can take them for stroll after the order has been placed.
3. Table Manners
Table Manners are meant for anywhere dining, these are to be adhered to whenever one eats. When at a restaurant kids should be encouraged to eat with cutlery. Start with basic spoon usage, adding fork and knife skills as they get older. It is important to help kids identify what kind of dish is eaten using which cutlery. Also help them identify the ones that are finger foods. Chewing slowly and not talking with the food in the mouth are top most dining manners for kids. Ask them to keep elbows off the table.
4. Proper handling of Table Ware
A table can be overwhelming for kids, especially of a fine dining restaurant. Kids need to be told about the use of the different tableware they see in front of them. Eg a spoon for soup and spoon to eat maincourse are different. Teach them the proper use of napkins and how to place them on the lap. Educate when to use a tissue and when to use a napkin. Teaching how to hold a glass is very important. It may seem silly but most mishaps happen due to improper handling of glasses at the table.
5. Good Behaviour
You may have to remind your kids to keep their volume under control, good behaviour is about respecting others and considering their presence. Also encourage them to politely ask for what they want.
6. Handling Goof ups
Minor mishaps can happen. If a child spills water or drops cutlery, keep calm and ask the wait staff to help. They should be taught to ask for something that is beyond their reach instead of trying to grab hurriedly, this may prevent any uncomfortable situations. Encourage them to maintain cleanliness at the table.
7. Politeness towards staff
It is very important to teach kids to be polite with the restaurant staff. The servers, guards, chefs, etc all when treated with respect will strive to make the entire dining experience enjoyable and memorable. Using words like Thankyou, Please for them is imperative. The tone should be calm and not rude. Calling the staff should also be done with respect, gestures should be avoided.
8. Lead by Example
Teaching etiquette to kids is a gradual process, parents can lead by example and set standards for them. This will serve them well throughout their lives. All the above efforts will show results only if they see parents exhibiting the same.
Do not forget to enjoy the time out. This is a good opportunity to bond with family and make good memories.
Being a Mommy 
Brilliant tips.
Thankyou
Author Sherry
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