PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL -- Tensions can run high when relatives gather at the Thanksgiving table this week, especially when there are little ones.
But a Vero Beach children's book author has a few words of advice on how to teach your children manners and have them on their best behavior.
In Leslie McGuirk's book "Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Season's," an adorable Labrador named Wiggens, illustrates how he came to be the perfect table guest.
At Cafe Chardonnay in Palm Beach Gardens, a table of perfect guests is assembled; young Maura, Jacob, Isabella and Tommy. They helped Leslie teach adults what they can do to make this a Happy Thanksgiving for everyone involved.
Leslie reveals, "One of the reasons kids misbehave at the dinner table is because they're not being paid attention to. So, if you just spend a little bit of time talking to them directly and ask them interesting questions, their manners will instantly improve."
Leslie immediately turns to Jacob and asks, "What was your favorite food at Thanksgiving last year?" Jacob responds "Rice." But the conversation really picks up when they start talking about what they want to be when they grow up. Who they sat next to last year. How they like to help in the kitchen.
Maura and Jacob show how they can set the table. And that, says Leslie, is the perfect way to get children engaged during the holidays.
"One of the things need to do is feel some kind of ownership for the meal," says Leslie, "So if they help in the kitchen and make the creamed corn or whatever it is, they will be more likely to eat it at the table, and feel proud about serving it and cleaning it up."
Another tidbit to a calmer kid-friendly Thanksgiving is to have children start a family tradition. Leslie advises, "They can make the place cards. So, if Uncle Tommy is really into football, have them make cute little cards with footballs. If Aunt Suzie likes dogs, little dogs on the cards. Then again, the sense of ownership and creativity is on the table."
The Thanksgiving table is also the perfect place to teach elder respect. Leslie asks her table guests, "Who do you think is the oldest at the table?" Maura points to Leslie. Then Leslie asks, "Who is the next oldest?" Tommy points to Maura.
Leslie says, "It's really nice to instill the sense that there are people who are older and to respect their age and serve them first. So, we can play a game at the table and try and guess who's oldest at the table."
Little hands can also be put to use when the meal is over. "Children love to help in the kitchen," Leslie explains, "So if you again, make a game of it and have them take part in cleaning in the kitchen. And if you engage them in that process with humor, then they're more likely to want to help out."
And finally, YOU don't have to do be the manners police. Get a relative to do it. Leslie says that aunts, uncles and grandparents can teach children manners. The advice is often better received than if Mom and Dad make the suggestions. Plus, it creates a connection between the little ones and their relatives.
The manners lesson concluded by everyone clinking glasses. "Cheers," says Leslie, "Happy manners class!"
For information about Leslie or her book "Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Season's", click here.
