Having good table manners is not just a sign of class and upbringing anymore. Today it might just be the competitive edge your child needs in getting into an elite college or university or even passing an important job interview. So, make sure that your kids have what it takes to succeed in the outside world by teaching them proper table manners. Apart from that, good table manners also reflect on the kind of parenting you put into bringing up your kid.

Polished dining table manners and etiquettes are an important asset in the highly competitive corporate culture. So, start today while they are still young and teach your teens the priceless lesson of proper table manners. The first and foremost rule of table manners is that it allows people to focus on a good conversation while eating, rather than the food itself or the act of eating. Good dining table manners for kids also give teens the confidence to participate in any dining situation with ease. 

Teens and good manners: The top commandements

• Habit of washing hands and face before sitting down to eat.
• Always sit down at their proper seat and place napkin in their lap.
• Wait till everyone has been seated and served, before starting to eat.  
• Stay seated in their seats without getting or becoming distracted by other activities.
• Say, “Excuse Me,” or ask permission when needing to leave the table.
• Elbows should always stay off the table.
• Pieces of food should be bite sized and chewed with mouth closed.
• Never reach across the table to get to something you want.
• Don’t interrupt people at the table during a conversation.
• Sounds like slurping, burping, squealing, singing, humming are not allowed at the table.
• Never make negative comments about what is being served.
• Thank the cook.

When teaching good habits, perseverance is the name of the game. Keep insisting on doing things the right way till it eventually becomes a habit. Set the bar high by having immaculate table manners yourself first. It wouldn’t be wrong to first train yourself and then insist upon teaching them to your teen. Remember, actions speak louder than words. So set an example rather than giving them a lecture.  

Initially start off by teaching and practicing dining table manners and etiquettes occasionally, when confident that the lessons are sinking in, start insisting on the new found table manners to be practiced daily. Practicing good table manners daily will eradicate any leftover awkwardness and make good manners a habit.