Your children are never too young to start learning about fine dining and the importance of having manners. Habits that start at a young age are carried with them as they become adults. There’s no reason that a child shouldn’t know how to say please and thank you, eat with a fork, and use a cloth napkin properly. The earlier you start showing them, the easier it will stick with them. Here are six tips for teaching your children fine dining.
1.) Teach Children Basic Manners
The first thing you want to teach your child is basic manners which is the cornerstone of fine dining. Children should be polite and respectful, especially when dining in a restaurant or in someone else’s home. Children should be taught how to say “please” and “thank you.” They should also know the rules when it comes to waiting to eat until everyone else is served and remembering to make sure there’s enough food to go around. Go over these rules early and often to ensure children are understanding.
2.) Remind Them Napkin Goes on Lap
A simple gesture that can make all the difference when it comes to fine dining is placing the napkin on your lap. This is something that many children really enjoy doing because it’s easy and they will feel like they’re doing something right without being told once they start to remember. A napkin on the lap is a shine of respect towards wherever you’re dining and luckily for kids, it helps keep their clothes from getting messy. If you want children to remember this, consider turning it into a game. Award points for whoever remembers to put their napkin on their lap first.
3.) No Hands: Show Which Utensils are Used for What
By nature, children love to eat with their hands. That’s because it’s fun to get messy. Whenever they’re old enough, teach them the importance of a proper spoon and fork. Not only will this help with fine motor skills, it will put them well on their way to learning all there is to know about fine dining.
4.) Turn Learning Fine Dining Into Game
If children are struggling with learning fine dining, turn it into a game. Children love to play pretend. Have a tea party, set out a fake dinner party, throw a picnic, or just use your imagination to create a feast. Children will have fun doing this but they’ll also learn proper etiquette. It’s also a way both parents and children can bond over what is hopefully a shared love of fine dining. During these pretend games, have your children say “please”, chew with their mouth closed, and keep their elbows off the table.
5.) Offer Thanks Before, After Each Meal
Showing gratitude is important before and after a meal. Saying thanks before a meal is especially important if you’re dining in someone else’s home. If you or the people you’re with are religious, show your children how to remain respectable while they show gratitude. Once a meal is complete, lead by example. Give your compliments to the chef and your children should follow.
6.) Have Children Help You Set Table
To truly appreciate fine dining, show children all the work that goes into setting up. If you’re creating a special meal at home, allow them to watch you while you cook. If you’re at a restaurant, show them how much work the server puts into making sure the table is ready, cleaning, and rolling silverware. When children see others working hard, they will be more inclined to show respect.
Conclusion: Fine Dining Tips Shouldn’t Be Hard
You don’t have to constantly remind your child
