Like many basic habits, table manners are learned in childhood. Etiquette is taught at different ages depending on the child's age and ability to understand. In order to teach table manners, the child must have developed the ability to sit at the table for a certain period of time, must have reached the maturity level to eat most of his/her meals using a fork and spoon, must have the language skills to express his/her wishes and needs, and must be able to understand and follow the instructions given.
The development of these skills usually occurs at the age of 3 or later.
In order to teach table manners, the child must first acquire eating habits. Sitting in a high chair with the transition to solid foods, accompanying the parents by sitting in the high chair close to the table while they are eating as of the age of 1, trying to eat using their own plate, fork and spoon around the age of 1.5-2, using the tray of the high chair between the ages of 2-3. It is necessary to teach a number of behaviors such as sitting at the table in the high chair while it is removed and eating with the parents. In addition, it is necessary not to eat in front of the television or tablet, and not to play with toys at the table.
In order to teach the child table manners, be an example to him in this regard, as in every subject, and help him during the practice, encourage and reward him (well done). , bravo, you did very well) You can teach the rules:
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To sit at the table and wait before the food is put on the plate
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Not to start eating before everyone else has started
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Not getting up before finishing your meal
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Sitting upright on the chair
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Sitting close to the table
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Not to smack while eating
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Not to use words such as "disgusting, dirty, bad" about the food he does not like. Instead of saying "it's not a food I like"
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Not talking about unpleasant topics while eating
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Not talking while there is food in the mouth
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Not taking a bite larger than it will fit in your mouth
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Peç to use it with meat
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When you cannot chew what is in your mouth, put it on a napkin instead of on a plate
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Saying "well done" to the person making the food
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Asking permission to leave the table
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Saying "bon appetit" to the other people at the table when you finish the meal
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When he wants to eat a food or drink, he asks for it by saying "can you give it to me" or "can I have it"
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Using the fork with the left hand and the knife with the right hand
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Not using technological devices such as phones and tablets during meals
Suggestions:
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In order for the child to gain correct eating habits, the child should be modeled for eating on his own
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He should be encouraged and supported to eat on his own
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He should ask himself He/she should be rewarded when he/she fulfills the expected appropriate behavior
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During the meal, distracting stimuli such as television or tablet should not be turned on
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Eating behavior should be turned into a game. should not be allowed
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Expectations should be appropriate to the child's age (a 3-year-old child should not be expected to eat his food without spilling it)
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Why table rules are necessary Brief, simple explanations should be made about table rules
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Table rules should be modeled
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Instead of just stating the rules verbally, support should be given (for example, when cutting meat with a knife, practice together instead of telling how to do it)
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