"Marsha, My five year old refuses to sit in her chair at the table, use her napkin, or use a fork. Are there any "tricks" from your "Manners for 4 & 5 Year Olds" class that can help me?
- Amanda J., Houston"
Dear Amanda,
I know many parents can understand your frustration. No one wants dinner time to be a battle. My first suggestion is to stop trying to teach etiquette during family dinner time. It only stresses everyone and rarely leads to a pleasant outcome. Instead, pick a time of day when your daughter is rested. Prepare a yummy snack that needs to be eaten on a plate with a knife and fork. (At the etiquette school we use peach slices). I suggest that you set a place for her at the table using colorful paper napkins, paper plates and plastic forks and knives. Start with only one simple goal each day. For instance, on the first day, teach her to unfold her napkin and put it in her lap, then reward her. That is enough for the first day. The next day, teach her to hold her fork properly, then reward her. If you build on each lesson in a fun and rewarding environment, she will want to mimic the behaviors at the dinner table on her own.
