Tonight we decided to put a greater, intentional effort into training our kids at the breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack table. I got this brilliant idea out of the blue...after kids interrupted prayer with babbles and snickers, talked about body functions and slimy foods while Lydia spun in her chair and Sophie told me that her enchilada was "too sour."
Brian and I decided upon a list of table manners/rules that we will review every time we sit down to eat. We did this while finishing dinner, the ideas fresh in our minds. We read them to the kids. Sam was already holding Lydia accountable to her transgressions. When accused of silly, babble talk, she defended herself, "It isn't babble, it's French!"
1. Sit properly. No standing, turning around, standing on your head or swinging from the lamp.
2. Use kind words, like please and thank you and sweetie pie.
3. No silly talk or babbling or French.
4. Do not talk with your mouth full, unless your hair is on fire.
5. Do not interrupt when we are praying, unless your hair is on fire.
6. Be thankful for the food put in front of you, even if there are bugs in it.
7. Ask politely to be excused, clear your dishes and kiss the chef.
Feel free to copy this list. Results not guaranteed.
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3 comments:
Amy, those are hilarious. I love this idea.
P.S. When we were growing up, one of the table rules was,
"No oinking at the table."
Of course, there was a specific reason for this rule :)
-Carrie Tennant Shumaker
Love your list--especially the "hair on fire." Let us know how the new system works out.
The Bodine house rule was, "No singing at the table." Ask Jen.
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