Call it old school if you’d like, but table manners haven’t been tossed to the curb with your Commodore 64. They’re still applicable in our modern day. For the final Parent Show installment based on manners, we discussed this topic with Anna Post, the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post.
We talked about the benefits of starting the “process” young. And while this definitely helps, parents’ expectations need to be realistic based on their child’s age. Anna gives us some great tips that set them up for success, rather than the ineffective parental nagging about what they should or shouldn’t do. And yes, parental modeling plays a huge part in the quest for table manners that are unlike a vernicious knid’s.
So check out PBS Parents’ The Parent Show: Pardon My Parenting: Episode 3. Slouch even…should you prefer to.
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I read this with a lot of interest and humor because I just wrote a post about this same topic last week! Growing up my parents were pretty big on manners at the table and I think it’s great but I also try to walk the balance of being “White House” ready with not making the nightly dinnertime as stressful as it could be growing up.
I think it’s a fine line to walk. I would like my kids to be comfortable and appropriate in all social events, but at the same time respectful of each of their stages and abilities.
I’m so glad I found your site through voiceBoks. I look forward to reading more.
I also have to thank you because all three of my children adore your shows. They have been such an important part of my kids childhood! Thanks again!
I couldn’t agree with you more about eliminating the stress and not acting like we’re all at the “White House”. It’s also refreshing to see that you look at it through your kids’ perspective as well. How we’ve all evolved from our parents’ generation!
Thanks for the preschool kudos as well. Love to hear everyone’s comments, especially like yours 🙂
It can be hard to find where the magic line is…so that you are relaxed & fun at dinner, but not rude & gross. It can be even harder to teach your kids if your hubby thinks it’s “cute” to do rude things at the table at home, such as burping. Blech.
Found you via voiceBoks, BTW.
No matter how far we’ve progressed digitally, good table manners will always be here to stay. I, for one, am a staunch advocate of this. I guess, what I’m doing wrong though, is “parental nagging”, instead of modeling good behavior.