Is dinnertime stressful, with unruly toddlers throwing food, talking with food in their mouths, and a napkin never being used?

Here are ten helpful dinnertime tips to make meals a pleasant experience, as suggested by Holly Beth Moncher, creator of Time for Manners DVD series:

1.  Create a peaceful environment for mealtime.  Turn off the television to promote conversation and family unity.

2.  As often as possible, make mealtime an important family gathering.

3. Set the table with a pretty flower in a vase or a child's favorite stuffed toy in the middle of the table so the child can talk about it during mealtime.

4.  Always cover your child's clothes with a bib or napkin after their hands have been washed, so they understand to eat carefully.

5. Encourage the use of utensils held the right way.  It takes daily practice.

6.  Small portions of food are more easily eaten.  It is better that the child ask for more food than to have a heaping portion which overwhelms the child.

7.  Encourage small bites of food and practice eating quietly with the mouth closed.

8. Show your toddler how to continually wipe their mouth throughtout the meal.

9. Have a limited time to eat so that mealtime is always a pleasant time.  Never let mealtime become a battle over what food they have to eat.

10.  Finish the meal with praise for the toddler.  Teach them to ask to be excused, even if it is "all done." Remember to say "thank you."

Holly Beth Moncher has been teaching manners for 10 years in the Detroit area.  For more helpful manners information visit www.timeformanners.com.