Tea Parties Etiquette for Children

What better way to teach children proper etiquette than at a young age? We all know how proper manners are so important in becoming socially acceptable in our society. So how is the best way to teach this to children you ask? Research shows that kids learn the fastest when you make it a fun learning process, and children between the age of 2 and 5 are extremely receptive in learning manners and etiquette.

The most fun and efficient way I've found is to have children's tea parties with my own kids. It allows me to teach my children of the proper place setting positions that even we as adults sometimes get confused. This in turn will give our kids more confidence and better social behavior when they mature and become adults.

Before the tea party starts, allow the kids to be seated then show them the proper placements for the utensils. For example, the plate is in the middle, the tea cups and saucers are on the right, knights and spoons are on the right, and fork and napkin on the left side. Show them how to properly place a napkin on their laps and get them to check their posture and seating position by making an example of yourself. No slouching!

Now on to the next step. Using yourself as an example again, pick up your tea cup and introduce yourself formally and politely to the children at the table, and have them follow your example in turns. At the same time you can teach them on politeness by using the words " please ", " excuse me ", and " thank-you ". This will be the time when you can point out to them that they should not be talking with their mouths full or slurping their tea etc..

Show them how to properly pass food around the table and how to only take one item from the plate at once, rather than many, and how to politely decline an offer with a simple "No, thank-you".

Children all respond very well to compliments and praise, so let them know and encourage them when they show good manner at the table. In order to turn kids into refined mature adults, constant gentle reminders are the key. You should also show them by example on how to thank the host of the party for a great meal, and how to greet, take coats, and also serve appetizers to their guests. Remember that good manners and proper etiquette applies on and also off the dining table.

After the tea party, award each child with a little certificate that you've created for completing the etiquette course successfully, as this just helps remind them on what they've learned on the day. As mentioned before, kids love compliments ( and so do adults )!