Kids getting up and down from the dinner table is such a common complaint. For the parents who are in the thick of this behavior, it’s exhausting. Here are lots of ideas for keeping them at the table. Continue the high chair or booster seat – I would keep the highchair with a strap as … Continue reading How to Get Kids to Stay at the Dinner Table
There are a few games for teaching manners like for “Mother May I” we add “Mother May I Please.” The exchange before moving is, “mother, may I please take two steps?” “yes, you may,” “thank you,” “your welcome.” After each four phrase exchange, the child moves and the next player asks. Start a ‘manners jar.’ … Continue reading Tips for Teaching Manners
Dear Dr. Rene My child is almost two years old, and she doesn’t always greet people she knows when she sees them. Sometimes she looks the other way as if they are not there, or she shows that she doesnt want to greet them. I dont want to stress on that, but I would like to … Continue reading Teaching a Child to Greet Others
There are so many great ways to teach children thankfulness. Say “Thank you” as often as you can – Model manners. If you expect them to say “please” and “thank you” often, you’ll need to model it yourself. It can be helpful to include a bit about why you are saying “thank you.” Meaning say, … Continue reading Teaching Children Thankfulness
Here are a few reasons to make eating as a family a priority: Children learn valuable life skills – There is benefit in children learning how to prepare and cook food, as well as how to clean the table. This sounds crazy, but I have fond memories of washing and drying dishes after meals at … Continue reading Benefits of Eating as a Family
Avoid Creating Work for Other People – Maybe this comes from waiting tables through college, or from how hectic our careers feel now, but I’m reminding the girls often to not create work for other people. In little ways, this means checking under the table at restaurants to be sure we’ve not left a mess. In … Continue reading Mantras in Our Family
In class, we encourage people to listen to others, to take turns speaking and to wait until a friend is finished, so they avoid interrupting. It can be helpful to coach children to listen to others and wait for a break in conversation to speak. When children are little, it may work more smoothly to … Continue reading Teaching Patience
Hi Dr. Rene, We are a blended family and have been for more than five years. One of my step children has suddenly decided they dislike me, and will avoid eye contact or any type of interaction with me if possible. I am getting sighs and dirty looks for doing something as simple as saying good morning. … Continue reading Blended Families and Re-Building Relationships
Using contribution to address behaviors means giving children jobs related to the given situation. This is a proactive skill that can be used before, during and after mealtimes. Before meals, children can be buttering rolls, serving green beans, taking drink orders, coloring placemats and writing menus. During meals, children can pass serving bowls, serve onto … Continue reading Mealtime Behaviors
Dear Dr. Rene, We had a grown-up visitor who taught my daughter to burp at the table. I didn’t like this at all, but I didn’t want to be rude, so I kept my mouth shut. What is the best way to handle this situation without upsetting anybody? Sincerely, Katya, Mother of One Dear Katya, … Continue reading Correcting Manners
Parenting by Dr. Rene 