Let's go to the table and take a seat for a wonderful review of what to do and what not to do while dining. Join this diverse group of friends as they dine together and explain proper table manners from their amusing point of view. When we use our manners, we show respect for others and appreciation for what we have.

Table manners refer to the socially acceptable way of eating, serving, and behaving at the dining table. But proper etiquette can be transferred from the dining room to other facets of life. For example, it is impolite to reach across the table for something that is out of reach no matter what we are doing. We sit with good posture at any table. We speak politely and say "please" and "thank you." We don't hog all the strawberries, just like we don't hoard all the crayons. And we clean up the messes we make.

According to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior and a voluminous body of research, the best strategy for improving a child's diet is simply putting a well-balanced meal on the table and sitting together to eat it.

Dining together...
...provides an opportunity for children to learn and practice proper table manners.
...gives caregivers and guests a chance to be good role models with proper eating habits.
...allows caregivers to observe children, encouraging them to control and broaden portions, eat slowly, pay attention to feelings of hunger and fullness, and learn about what they're eating.
...gets children involved in meal preparation. They are more likely to want to taste what they help prepare.
...usually means that a meal has been well-planned, is nutritionally balanced, and is home-cooked.
...helps introduce new varieties of food and an opportunity to taste them.
...provides time for social bonding and communication. Studies show that family meals are linked to higher grades and lower rates of drug use, depression, stress, suicide, and eating disorders in children and adolescents.

Foundation/Domain: Social-Emotional Development

Also available in Spanish with English translation.

This book is printed on demand. Please flip through at least one of the books you receive and contact the publisher directly as soon as possible if you have any quality concerns.

Bulk Orders: This title is available in bulk directly from the publisher for early childhood and nutrition programs, conferences, non-profit initiatives, licensing, or grants that promote socio-emotional learning, social and emotional development, using good manners, dining together, healthy eating, following rules and directions, and anti-obesity. Contact the publisher directly for quotes, orders, and discounted pricing.