Respect and Manners are our common bonds as civilized people. Please see
www.janpolk.com for information on Respect Awards for children, teenagers, and adults. This project is sponsored by artist Jan Polk.
1. Unless otherwise arranged, everyone shows up for family dinners, on time, looks reasonably presentable, and prepared to make general conversation. Our families deserve our best manners. It's a good way to practice your ABC's--Always Be Charming.
2. Older children (eight to ten years old) are expected to have table manners as good as their parents. These children have had many years to learn by observation, and the parents have had ample opportunity to teach.
3. Entertainment at dinner is live, not electronic. Turn off the television. "Mute" is not sufficient because the color and motion are still distracting. Do you like people talking when you are watching TV? No. If you have background music, keep the volume low so it doesn't interfere with conversation.
4. The difference between eating and dining is conversation, and a good conversation includes everyone at the table. Sometimes children and teenagers want to be excused because they are not being listened to by the adults.
5. Talk about positive topics at the table. Differences of opinion can be respected, but if the conversation descends into an argument the topic should be moved to a time and a place away from the table. Look for common ground.
