The Butler Is In: Teach your kids table manners early

Parentsteach their kids basic life survival skills, like looking both ways before crossing the street, as they prepare them for the world.

But CBC P.E.I.'s protocol and etiquette expert, John Robertson, says it's just as important to teach childrensocial skills, including table manners, if parentswant them to succeed.

Kidsthat are raised without table manners will find it costs them as they enter adulthood, Robertson told CBC Radio's Island Morning.

"You'll never know what went wrong: job offer you thought was in the bag evaporates on the third interview over lunch with a senior manager," he said.

Teaching manners from day 1

Robertson said aside from queries aboutlife's biggest milestones, the question he's asked most often is, "When should I start teaching my child table manners?"

His answer: If you have children, you've already started teaching them. "Children mimic adults."

Robertson said it's good to start with the basics washing hands, being on time, sitting properly, using napkins, waiting for everybody to be served, and leaving baseball caps and smartphones away from the table.

This can be done gradually, with gentle encouragements.

"We don't want to overwhelm them with rules and regulations from the time they sit down," he said.

Eventually they can learn the more subtle rules of table etiquette, but not yet.

• The Butler Is In: Table manner dos and don'ts

"There's lots of time ahead for all the refinements and the niceties," he said. "This is a time for confidencebuilding and being comfortable in a dining situation and learning to enjoy it."

Going into the world unprepared or worse, oblivious will cost you, he said.

"You get excluded from invitations where relationships are strengthened and alliances made. You'd never know why you weren't included. It's the downside of not having these social skills."

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