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Find out ways you can help your children be more courteous and have fun with it.
We try to eat dinner together most nights. It's a regular part of our family life that gives us time to connect. Some evenings the kids are rather raucous. There's hand grabbing, loud talking and occasional burping (followed by uproarious laughter, of course). My husband and I try to maintain our decorum because we know that what we permit at these family meals is sure to happen when we have guests or when we're at a restaurant. Much to our children's chagrin, we take every opportunity to teach them good table manners.
Quick Tip:
Why Are Family Mealtimes Important?
Children who do not eat dinner with their families are 61 percent more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. By contrast, children who eat dinner with their families every night of the week are 20 percent less likely to drink, smoke, or use illegal drugs. (Columbia News, CASA 2000 Teen Survey. Teens With "Hands-Off" Parents at Four Times Greater Risk of Smoking, Drinking, and Using Illegal Drugs as Teens With "Hands-On" Parents, last referenced 10/1/2002.)
Teens who eat frequent family dinners are less likely than other teens to have sex at young ages, get into fights, or be suspended from school, and they are at lower risk for thoughts of suicide. (CASA. Why Family Day?, last referenced 9/1/2003.)
By eating with your children, it is more likely that they will eat healthier foods and more balanced meals. (American Dietetic Association. Making the Most of Mealtime, last referenced 11/1/2002.)
Dining together is a chance for parents and children to talk with one another.
Parental influence and involvement is an important tool in preventing substance abuse. Regularly sitting down for a meal with your children is one way to connect with them and be involved with what is happening in their lives.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Check out the Family Guide for more information.
Definition:
Courtesy is thinking of others first; minding your manners.
Read:
Excuse Me!
by Lisa Kopelke
Talk:
In addition to saying excuse me, talk about some other rules of courtesy, such as chewing food with your mouth closed, waiting for a quiet moment to speak instead of interrupting someone, or wiping your mouth on your napkin instead of on your shirt. Be sure to give your children the reason for these rules of courtesy.
Act:
Practice table manners by staging a formal dinner. Use china, silver, and candles. Be sure to keep your napkins on your lap. Have fun!
About the Author:
Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songerwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.
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