Teach Your Children these 5 Essential Restaurant Manners to Boost Their Confidence and Make Family Meals Memorable
This post contains affiliate links and ads. Affiliate links and ads support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!Dining out with your little ones doesn’t need to be stressful! Dining out with your family can be a joyous adventure filled with laughter, delicious food and the opportunity to create lasting memories.
It’s also the perfect setting for teaching valuable life skills, including good manners and confident communication. Whether you’re at a casual diner or a fancy restaurant, practicing basic dining etiquette skills with your children can help them become respectful, confident individuals who can navigate social situations with ease and grace.
Remember, good manners take practice! Introduce these manners the next time you dine out as a family, but don’t expect perfection after one dinner. It’s important to take time to encourage these skills each and every time you visit a restaurant as a family!
The Importance of Family Meals
Research consistently shows that family meals have numerous benefits for children. Studies have found that children who regularly partake in family meals exhibit better academic performance, improved mental health and enhanced communication skills.
Beyond the obvious nourishment, these shared experiences foster deeper connections and create a sense of belonging.
So why not make your next family outing not just about the food, but also about reinforcing good manners, strengthening communication skills and building your family relationships?
5 Essential Restaurant Manners to Teach Your Children
Dining out as a family can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Communicate expectations on the way to the restaurant and establish your own family dining etiquette rules. Tablets on the table? How about only after the meal has been finished. Sharing food? Must say “PINEAPPLE PINEAPPLE” first :) Your family, YOUR RULES. Add these 5 simple manners and watch your family meals go from miserable to memorable!
PLACE THE NAPKIN ON YOUR LAP: This simple gesture is often overlooked, but it can set the tone for the meal. Teach your children to pick up their napkin as soon as they sit down and place it on their lap. It doesn’t matter if it’s a paper napkin or a cloth napkin! This shows respect for the dining experience, keeps clothes clean, and introduces the idea that meals are special occasions.
DON’T TOUCH THE SILVERWARE UNTIL THE FOOD IS SERVED: Shiny silverware is so tempting to little hands! Encourage your children to wait patiently for their food with their hands in their lap (this is the custom in the United States, but may vary based on your own culture). This not only builds anticipation but also demonstrates the importance of self-control. Remind them that the silverware should be kept clean and used to enjoy the meal, not played with beforehand.
PRACTICE ORDERING FOOD: I often observe parents ordering food for their children, but if your child is old enough to speak fluently, they should practice ordering their own food. You can help prep your child by discussing what they want to order and what they should say to order it until they are comfortable doing so on their own. Encourage your child to “find the server’s eyes” to practice making eye contact and to speak with a kind, clear and confident voice. It’s a great way to teach them how to communicate their preferences and interact with others in a friendly way.
SAY “PLEASE” AND “THANK YOU”: Teaching your children to use polite language is essential. Encourage them to say “please” when making requests and “thank you” when receiving their food or assistance. This simple habit goes a long way in cultivating gratitude and respect for those around them, whether it’s the restaurant staff, other diners or those sharing the meal at the table.
INCLUDE CHILDREN IN THE CONVERSATION: Dining out is a communal experience, so encourage your children to participate in discussions during meals. Do your best to keep tablets, phones and other devices off the table, and instead ask them questions about their day or seek their opinions on the food. Not sure where to start? Consider bringing along conversation cards or a simple game to keep everyone’s attention. This practice not only promotes family bonding but also helps children develop their communication skills and feel included in the family dynamic.
Instilling these manners in your children doesn’t just prepare them for dining out; it equips them with skills they will carry throughout their lives.
Confidently odering a meal or engaging in conversation can make a significant difference in their social interactions, boosting their self-assurance in various settings.
Effective communication and manners are foundational skills that also translate to academic success and future professional endeavors.
Remember, the key to successful learning is making it enjoyable. Turn practicing manners into a game or involve your children in discussions about why good manners matter. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and keep it light-hearted.
With patience and consistency, you will see your children embrace these skills and shine with confidence!
The next time you head out for a family meal, think beyond the menu! Use this opportunity to teach your children the importance of good manners and watch them grow into respectful, confident individuals who navigate the world with ease and grace.
Manners matter, not just in restaurants, but everywhere! Why not take the first step today and introduce a new dynamic to your family meals? You’ll be grateful you did — both now and in the future as your little ones flourish!
Ready to see your child’s confidence soar? Register your child for an upcoming Modern Manners for Kind & Confident Kids virtual class with certified etiquette trainer Courtney Opalko.
What tip will you start practicing with your children today? Leave a comment or a question below!
