What is appropriate to expect from children with regards to table manners and etiquette?  Myself, I always taught my children well, but I am appalled at the lack of manners of so many children these days. – Sticky for Manners

Dear Sticky for Manners,
Well, the world has changed and children’s manners aren’t what they used to be. One of every parent’s nightmares is taking their children in public and being embarrassed from their lack of social skills. So lets review what is appropriate social behaviour.

Children should be taught manners and social skills from a very young age.

As soon as they are able to start to reason and understand verbal language you can start with a simple please and thank you. 

Once children start to get older (five to eight), learning table manners becomes important.

Understanding how to correctly use a knife and fork at the table, how to leave the table, drink from a glass, etc.

Now for those parents who think you can do this the night before a family event, that is where you are going wrong; turning these skills into everyday habits is the objective.

Some of the reasons you need to practice this at the family kitchen table every night are because:

1. You must practice a new skill for 21 days to start a pattern.

2. It takes 100 days for this new pattern to become automatic.

This is why you must begin and practice manners daily at home.

Remember, good manners are not just for when you have guests or are entertaining; manners are to be applied everyday amongst family members, friends and work.

• Got a question? Send an Email to askcharlesthebutler@metronews.ca