Dining out can become less frustrating for families if they taught their children some basic table manners.
Eating out can be one of the pleasurable parts of a family vacation, but it can also be one of the most stressful.
While kitchen facilities at hotels are convenient and economical, a vacation for the whole family usually includes some restaurant dining.
Here are some tips to help make it more enjoyable for all from www.hotelfun4kids.com.
Introducing proper table manners at home goes a long way to making meals in restaurants a more relaxing experience for the whole family.
Share family meals at home with your children. Reinforce basic manners by your example.
Have a family in-house Restaurant Night with everyone dressing up, have take-out food and see who can use the best manners - Make it a fun activity.
Encourage children to use proper utensils at home so that they become familiar with their uses.
Tell children how you expect them to behave before you enter the restaurant.
Expose children at an early age to dining out and using manners in public.
Encourage children to experience, experiment and enjoy new foods.
Here are some basic manners to observe when dining in restaurants:
Always say please, thank you and excuse me.
Pleasantness with and respect of restaurant staff goes a long way to receiving better service.
Set an example for your children.
Use a quieter tone of voice and remind children to respect others in the restaurant who will not want to hear loud conversations.
Eat with your mouth closed. Avoid talking or taking another bite until all food has been swallowed.
Elbows off the table. Not only does this present a better appearance in the restaurant but it also makes it easier to use utensils.
When sitting down in a restaurant, place a napkin on your lap and use a napkin to wipe fingers and face.
If children are old enough to use a knife and fork, teach them to cut gently. Food should never be stabbed with the fork, but lifted gently. For younger children, take the time to cut up the food as soon as it arrives.