Yes, table manners are important. Knowing which fork is for which and how to eat without one’s elbows on the table do matter—BUT, I also think we need to keep these things in perspective. In my opinion, learning table manners should be age appropriate and shouldn’t be such a focus as to take away the pleasure and enjoyment of a family meal. I think that it can be surprising how much kids pick up just by parental modeling—without nagging and reminders, they do tend to assimilate all sorts of behaviors (good ones and not so good ones) just by what … Continue reading →