Table Etiquette

Well, I did something novel today. After a huge milk spill at breakfast (which is pretty much routine at our house), I decided to teach the boys about "rules at the table" from all over the world. I explained how there are different rules for different parts of the world, but some rules at the table are the same all throughout the world. For example, elbows on the table are rude in the United States. In France, you need to keep your hands above the table at all times. Then I explained that it is rude to talk with your mouth full. I asked them if they knew why and they said no. Then I shoved a bunch of food in my mouth, chewed it up a little, and then started talking (while purposefully letting a little fall out). They, of course, likened it to an episode of Spongebob where someone sticks his tongue out with food all over it (I have put a hiatus on Spongebob because of the constant quoting!). But in this case it helped, because it is gross even in the Spongebob episode. Then I explained how we say "please pass the food" instead of just reaching for it. And how we carry on polite conversation instead of fighting. And how we use our utensils isntead of fingers because using fingers is rude (I didn't explain that some places in the world use their fingers. That would get just plain confusing.) The entire rest of the meal was pleasant! Who knew that explaining "the rules" would contribute to more accomodating boys? I will remember this for next time...

Table Etiquette

https://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/2008/08/table-etiquette.html

Theme of the Week Challenge

Thank you to everyone who posted ideas last week. I know nearly all of the things you brought up were things that we are either struggling with at our house, or would love to implement. Over the next few weeks we will be choosing all of your ideas as future themes.

This week I decided to do the theme lunchtime. (P.S. I know we did the theme nutrition not too long ago, but this is more specific and we want ideas!) At our house, nearly every day, we have three choices: peanut butter and honey, peanut butter and jelly, or turkey and cheese. Pretty boring, pretty predictable. I would love ideas of simple, healthy foods that my kids will eat. Also, we're having problems with keeping our hands to ourselves during lunch; just this afternoon, an entire plate of baked beans "accidentally" went on the floor and splattered to my carpet (my newly washed, newly moved into the house carpet). The boys were roughhousing at the table - ugh. So if you have ideas for teaching manners at lunchtime, those would be appreciated too! Any creative, imaginative, practical ideas, or anything that works for you, is welcomed...the time is now yours!

Theme of the Week Challenge

https://laugh-learn-love.blogspot.com/2008/08/theme-of-week-challenge.html