A few months ago my 12-year-old son convinced me, once again, that we should eat dinner at one of those "all you can eat buffet places."
Naturally, kids loves these places. It's a carnival of pizzas, mac and cheese, ice cream, brownies, cookies, pies and more fried items than a Southern truck stop on a country road.
Yes, there are vegetables and meat choices, but the competition is tough when the child is exposed to so many other more exciting, albeit less digestible, choices.
Of course, I acquiesced, as mothers do - all in the name of that precious little smile and joyful sound of, "Thanks, Mom," that we long to hear before the ringing anthem of "Why not," "That's not fair," and, "You never give me anything I want," replaces the sweeter years of communication.
So, here we are in trough capital, herding through the stations for our selections finally finding our way to our booth... where we will use a card to alert staff whether we are finished or not by the appropriate placement of said card during multiple trips back to the pen.
Taking our seat and beginning with the same set of standards we always use, whether casual or elegant dining - we place our napkin on our lap.
As we begin to enjoy -- and I use that term lightly, I notice in the sea of chewing faces, a very -- and I mean VERY -- large man. In fact, my son and I were both convinced he was a Sumo wrestler.
He is with his family of about six or seven, and he literally takes his fork and commences to stab a slab of prime rib -- I'm serious, the entire large piece of meat --then raise what was easily a half pound or more cut of beef, to his mouth and begin to chew off of the edges.
I can't describe to you the look on my face but I did notice the fear on my son's. He was sure I would say something that could be overheard. But those comments are reserved for teaching my own child and for paying students. Let's face it, it is bad etiquette to point out bad etiquette!
However, it is truly never too early to begin teaching your own children proper dining etiquette. It will serve them well as they rapidly grow before your eyes and head off to their first college or employment interview. Heaven forbid it is over breakfast, lunch or dinner, as many are, unless you've not done your job first. Not only is their dining dexterity and knowledge going to be on display, but their social skills will be quietly scrutinized as well. How they shake hands, when they begin eating, what they order, how they eat it, topics of discussion and much more, are all necessary and important tools in a civil society.
We should strive for these acts of civility, not just to get a job, but to foster a more pleasant experience amongst each other. Whether in a public restaurant or just hanging at a family celebration, using good table manners, having polite conversation and respecting others allows everyone to enjoy their time wherever they may be.
