How to Teach Your Toddler Proper Table Manners with the Right Dishware

Toddlers in their “terrible twos” or “troublesome threes” are called so for a reason. They often lack patience, control, and the ability to behave – especially when it comes to the dining table. 

While teaching them proper etiquette may sometimes seem like a never-ending battle, it can be done. Here are ten tips on how to train your toddler in the art of proper table manners – with the help of the right dishware:

1. Showcase Stillness

Toddlers can barely stay still. And if they do, it won’t last more than 10 minutes. Unless you want to speed every meal up, experts recommend engaging your kid in “sitting practice.” 

Let your child settle in their favorite chair and set a timer in front of them. The numbers should be easily visible, so she knows it’s counting down. As they wait for the timer to finish, encourage them to engage in activities that will keep them still, such as singing, coloring activities, etc.

2. Patience is a Virtue

Kids won’t hesitate to get started, especially if they see their favorite food on the table. That’s why you have to teach them to wait until everybody’s seated at the table before they get started. 

3. Don’t Forget the Napkin

Toddlers are guaranteed to make a mess when eating, so you must ask them to use napkins every time.

As they learn to eat neater, you can show them to put their napkin on their lap. Eventually, they’ll be mindful enough to keep a napkin beside their plate.

A little reminder, though, ask your kid to use the napkin on their neck or lap whenever they need to cough or sneeze. However, tell them that they shouldn’t use this if they want to blow their nose! Instead, they should ask you or any other grown-up for a tissue. 

4. Be a Model Parent

Toddlers will emulate what you do. So if you want them to learn important table manners, then you need to show them you’re doing it too. That means:

• Washing your hands beforehand

• Keeping your elbows off the table 

• Saying "please" or "thank you"

5. Show Appropriate Utensil and Dishware Use

Unless you’re serving pizza, hamburgers, or finger foods, you’d want your toddlers to learn how to use utensils.

That’s why you need to get the right dishware for your kids. Yours are too big for them, and they’re pretty dangerous too. Since toddlers are generally uncoordinated, they might injure themselves with sharp metal utensils.

Worse, they may end up breaking your prized ceramic plates.

As such, make sure to get your little one a fork, spoon, and baby plate set. Then teach them proper usage according to your customs. Likewise, discourage them from pointing with the spoon or holding it with their fist. 

6. Demonstrate Proper Eating

Toddlers live by their own rules. So if you don’t want them to make a mess on the table, make sure they take small bites while eating. Teach them to use their utensils to cut their food into smaller portions.

Apart from this, you need to remind them to:

• Chew food quietly

• Avoid talking when their mouth is full 

7. Playing Before Eating Works

Young kids like to throw things. While a baby plate set with a suction underneath won’t fly away from the table, some of the utensils will. To prevent this from happening, engage your kid in light play before eating. This will help reduce (if not remove) their desire to throw their utensils at the table.

8. Don’t Let Them Reach Across the Table

Toddlers will reach for whatever they want, even if it’s on the other side of the table. To prevent them from doing this, encourage them to ask others for help. Again, this is another opportunity for you to showcase the importance of the magic words "please" and "thank you."

9. Teach Tactfulness

Children will say whatever they want, whenever they want. This could lead to a disaster, especially if they’re not fond of the food served on the dining table. 

Remind them that they should avoid criticizing what’s in front of them. People worked hard to prepare the food, so they should be grateful for their efforts. Again, encourage your toddler to say "thank you" whenever someone prepares food for them. 

Teaching your toddler dining etiquette may seem like a tall order, but it’s possible! With the help of these tips - and the proper utensils and dishware - you can instill in them the value of good table manners.