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Original poster

Licking dinner plates

189 replies

Endlessblueskieswhatsnottolove · 10/09/2026 14:03

Recently my 8 year old has started licking her dinner plate when she's finished. Whilst I appreciate it when she says it's because it was delicious, I've told her not to do it as it's yucky and bad manners.
Dh thinks I'm being harsh on her for getting cross with her

Aibu to not want my child to think it's ok to lick plates after finishing their food?!

OP posts:
RumPidgeon · 12/09/2026 18:07

What a disgusting new habit. She’s not an animal. Tell her to mop up any remaining sauce with a piece of bread.

You’re absolutely right in telling her to stop this. Your husband seems to have lost his sense of basic manners.

MurphysColeslaw · 12/09/2026 18:20

Well I’m really going to set the cat amongst the pigeons.
I find the whole ‘mopping up’ thing awful too.
i was brought up to break off a bit if bread and use a fork to absorb any left over sauce.

Scarlettpixie · 12/09/2026 18:25

I think it's fine now and again so long as she knows not to do it when she is out or if you have guests.

My now adult son sometimes does it and I take it as a compliment. He somehow knows not to do it outside our own homes! Same with cutlary, it's fine to just use a fork at home if you want (or if eating a bowl of pasta that isn't spaghetti). Otherwise it's a knife and fork.

I think people learn different manners for different environments. It's a bit like swearing. I would never say fuck in front of my mum/children/older relatives/in polite company but I do otherwise!

PrettyLittleRose · 12/09/2026 18:31

MurphysColeslaw · 12/09/2026 18:20

Well I’m really going to set the cat amongst the pigeons.
I find the whole ‘mopping up’ thing awful too.
i was brought up to break off a bit if bread and use a fork to absorb any left over sauce.

I think it's OK to use a piece of bread to get rid of the gravy or soup or whatever, but saying 'mopping it up' sounds grim! As I said, it's right up there with 'have a drink to wash your food down with!' shudder 😖

BeKindButBeFierce · 12/09/2026 19:05

As long as she doesn’t do it at her friends house or at school or when you go to a restaurant….. Otherwise fair play!

Dracolina · 12/09/2026 19:36

Endlessblueskieswhatsnottolove · 10/09/2026 14:03

Recently my 8 year old has started licking her dinner plate when she's finished. Whilst I appreciate it when she says it's because it was delicious, I've told her not to do it as it's yucky and bad manners.
Dh thinks I'm being harsh on her for getting cross with her

Aibu to not want my child to think it's ok to lick plates after finishing their food?!

Oh, no, you definitely teach her early that this isn't on. Dogs lick plates, and she's not a dog - ergo, the plate gets rinsed under the tap, not by her tongue.

Cariadm · 12/09/2026 19:37

CaptainMyCaptain · 11/09/2026 22:03

I have just seen Tom Parker-Bowles on Masterchef saying that he eats lamb cutlets in his fingers holding the bone. Really posh people don't care.

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Sorry but those two things are not at all comparable! 🙄
One is acceptable and the other is totally anti-social and quite disgusting! 🙁
I will let you work out for yourself which is which! 😊

Blondeshavemorefun · 12/09/2026 20:54

Am I the only one who wants to know what she is licking

MurphysColeslaw · 13/09/2026 19:28

Blondeshavemorefun · 12/09/2026 20:54

Am I the only one who wants to know what she is licking

Why, does it suddenly become more acceptable if it’s a truffle jus rather than Asda gravy granules?

RapunzelHadExtensions · 13/09/2026 19:45

MyDuvetDay · 10/09/2026 14:07

It’s not OK to lick a plate and you’re right to correct her

i say that as someone who is very relaxed about table manners

Same. A friend of mines DH does it at every fucking meal and it makes me gip and not want to eat off their plates.

Blondeshavemorefun · 13/09/2026 23:18

MurphysColeslaw · 13/09/2026 19:28

Why, does it suddenly become more acceptable if it’s a truffle jus rather than Asda gravy granules?

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just curious

oviraptor21 · 13/09/2026 23:25

I used to do this, as did my Dad. Only in the privacy of the family home. No way do I want the delicious sauce or stew gravy adulterated with bread. Now I use a spoon but I wouldn't be too harsh with a DC did this. I'd just reiterate not to do it anywhere else but the home.

oviraptor21 · 13/09/2026 23:59

Berlinlover · 12/09/2026 00:22

I wouldn’t dream of it and judge those who do.

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I judge those who judge.

LadyHexham · 14/09/2026 13:47

Have to say I have never licked a plate, or seen anyone do it.
Hope I never do.
Ugh.

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