Good Table Manners, Part II

Learning good table manners is part of treating yourself and others with respect and dignity. Start teaching your children emotional intelligence early.

1. Make the a href=http://ww4.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid =/templatedata/bhg/story/data/goodmannersnapkins_08162001.xml &categoryid=/templatedata/bhg/category/data/Top10_10Thanksgiving CraftsForKids.xmlGood Manners Tablecloth/A.

2. Wash your hands before you come to the table.

3. Wait until everyone is seated before you begin eating.

4. Chew with your mouth closed and keep your elbows off the table.

5. Make pleasant dinner table conversation.

Talk about interesting things that happened, or things you'd like to do. Take an interest in what other family members are saying. Don't interrupt without saying "excuse me," and save arguments and negative comments for another time. 6. Say "please" and "thank you" when you'd like something passed to you.

Don't reach across other people or things. Ask someone to hand it to you.

7. If you don't like what's being served, simply say "no thank you," don't make derogatory comments.

8. When you're through eating, place your utensils on your plate, and your napkin beside your plate.

9. Ask to be excused before you leave the table.

10. Take your part in clearing the table, bringing dishes to the kitchen, loading the dishwasher and putting away leftovers.

Make sure to give your child the opportunity to practice these important life skills. You can even let him or her set the table and learn where all the utensils go!