Basic Table Manners for Kids

Table manners help remind us how to be considerate, and share and not grossing people out!

Table manners are one of the first things people will notice of their guests.  

Getting started

• Be on time is important.
• Sit up straight in your chair; no slouching, sliding off your chair or running around.
• What to eat until everyone else is sitting down or your host tells you to.
• Talking at the table is good.  Try not to shout or dominate the conversation.
• Leave cell phones, purses, wallets, keys, books, Ipods, etc off the table.  

At the table

• Pass the food to the right. 
• Take a portion of the food closest to you. 
• Keep elbows off the table so you don’t look bored or lazy.
• Ask for the food to be passed; don’t reach across the table of someone else to get it.
• Chew with your mouth closed.
• Don’t play with your food.
• If you need to be excused, ask. Otherwise, stay at the table until you are excused.

After the meal

• Take your plate to the kitchen.  Ask if you can help clean up.
• Compliment to cook or host.
• Burping loudly to show the cook you enjoyed the meal is acceptable in SOME countries.  Follow the lead of the host.  If you do burp, say, ‘excuse me.’