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Behaviour/development

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Table manners

2 replies

Wealden · 18/12/2013 16:41

how is this done without making every meal a training session? Its really important to me that they at least have the opportunity to be confident wherever they go when they are older. Even the basics need constant reinforcement. I'm still nagging about talking with a mouthful FGS, let alone stopping them doing irritating things like turning the fork upside down to shove peas on with a knife - how long does it take before its natural? They're 7 and 8 and I don't want to have to keep punctuating happy family meals by hissing 'elbows' 'mouth closed please' 'cut don't tear please' etc forever.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
mermaidbutmytailfelloff · 18/12/2013 16:51

We had a special meal on Sundays - proper place settings, proper manners, food in dishes to serve out, nice glasses etc. The rest of the time was much more laid back. That way we could teach good manners so they knew how to behave but sometimes could be more laid back - just like adults do.

mouth closed though is non negitiable.

fairisleknitter · 18/12/2013 16:52

I think it does take a lot of training - it feels never ending. My teen manages reasonably well (but slouches) and now instructs the younger family members.

(And I don't even mind pea shovelling!)

The technique of praising when they get it right might make the atmosphere more positive.

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