Social wellness is an important goal of home education and discipling our children. We set our children up well when we teach and equip them with the skills to be courteous, self-controlled, and patient when dining with others. How we present ourselves at the family table matters and it is a great way to introduce manners and refine their social skills (including social hygiene) in order to encourage successful relationships and hospitality for them as they become more independent.

Host a Dinner Party to Practice Social Etiquette

Our homeschool cooperative hosted a fancy tea party of sorts in order to allow the boys and girls to get dressed up, have fun, and learn what is possible when we present our best selves at the dining table. We read books about mealtime and party etiquette, share in group discussion, then sat down at the table to practice what we had learned. Each co-op family brought a dish or beverage to share including tea sandwiches, crudité, cakes, and citrus teas. This festive get together creates excitement around the idea of ‘minding our manners’ and it can fuel future conversations and engagement at home for individual families who want to prioritize good manners.

Download our printable Table Etiquette Placemat for Children to support your children’s home education or use this printout with your co-op or church group. The Table Etiquette Placement can be laminated and last for years to come, serving as a gentle reminder to children at mealtime that minding your manners is a great way for everyone to share an peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone invited.