M. Shannon Consulting
Los Angeles Etiquette Consultant Michelle Shannon has released five tips to help teach and reinforce good manners for children at the table.
Shannon, President of M. Shannon Consulting, said, “I believe too many of our children are used to eating fast food on the run and do not know what is socially expected of them at the table in a restaurant”
Five tips to help teach and reinforce proper table etiquette for children include:
All children should wash their hands prior to eating and make sure their clothes are neat and clean. It is not proper nor healthy to eat at the table with dirty hands or clothes.
When in a restaurant ready to order children should close their menus so that the waiter/waitress will know they are ready to order. The waiter/waitress will think they are still deciding if they continue to see the menu open.
Children should place napkins on their lap and place them in the chair when they have to excuse themselves from the table. Napkins are placed in the chair so the waiter/waitress will know they will be back.
Children should keep elbows off the table until the end of the meal and the table is clear. To prevent accidents and bowls from tipping over.
When the food arrives children should wait until everyone has their meal before eating. Unless everyone at the table gives them the okay to start eating.
M Shannon Consulting provides a wide range of etiquette consulting services, including in-home etiquette parties or gatherings, one-on-one coaching, group classes and workshops, teleseminars and telephone training. For further information, contact Michelle Shannon at 800-781-5266 or www.mshannonconsulting.com.
