It is never too early to start teaching table manners with your preschool and kindergarten children.   I am not talking about which spoon to use, but ways to make your mealtimes pleasant.  Even for young children, there are acceptable behaviors at the dinner table.  Before you sit down for a meal, both you and your child should wash your hands, which is something the children are used to doing at school before we have snack.   Teach your child to keep plates still and to use the utensils only for eating their food.  They can also be reminded not to talk while there is food in their mouth.  Children should also be encouraged to stay in their seat until they are excused, which is another routine we practice at school.  Toddlers cannot be expected to sit as long as adults or older children, so you can excuse them when they are finished eating. 

Remember, your children are watching you!  Use your mealtimes as time for the family to talk about their day and not for watching television or reading the mail.  Model the words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ at the table.  With a lot of patience and time, your family meals will become a pleasant experience for everyone.