Important restaurant etiquette and table manners we all should get our teens started with

Every time 16-year-old Rohan's extended family went out for a dinner at a restaurant, his parents always worried about how their teenager was going to behave there. Would he rudely call out to the waiter or take ages to place an order? Would he be engrossed in his phone and ignore the other guests? They had been embarrassed in public more than once by Rohan's disregard for manners.

The years of turning into an adult are very confusing for a teenager. Angst, fear of ridicule, peer pressure, and their changing body makes them very sensitive during these years. Since they are taking giant steps towards decisions regarding clothing, friends, lifestyle, music, movies, smartphones, and food, the adults need to help them gently to soften their edges and develop into well-mannered individuals.

Socializing in a mixed group or eating out with the family are a few situations where teens need to be on their best behavior. Having to attend birthdays and graduation parties, teenagers might find themselves in many formal dinners. While adults may be well-versed on how to present themselves at a dining table, teenagers may not be aware of such etiquette.

Here are some useful rules for a teenager to remember while eating out.

Greeting the waiting staff

A pleasant customer is always guaranteed good service and a good experience. Ask your child to greet the head waiter with a smile or a firm handshake at the entrance, this commands attention and helps teenagers to develop their personality.

Being dressed for the occasion

Once the restaurant is booked, ensure your teen has dressed appropriately for the occasion and for the venue. Many restaurants have a dress code to be followed at their premises.

Placing the napkin

The setting of the napkin on the lap suggests the start of the meal. Once your teenager is at her/his table, the napkin needs to be placed on the lap prior to or after placing the order.

Eating with the mouth open

Teens may sometimes do this just to annoy their companions at the table or because they are still learning to eat with their mouths closed. Gently ask your child to chew gracefully, without making rude sounds. He should also know to use the appropriate cutlery for his meal. To indicate the end of a meal, the fork and knife must be placed on the plate to the right side, the knife with the blade in.

Grooming at the table

It goes without saying that grooming at the table is frowned upon. It is considered unsanitary and disrespectful. If your teenager has to groom herself, like brushing her hair or re-applying make-up, politely request her to leave the table and go to the washroom to do so.

Pacing your food

Once the food has arrived at the table, it is rude to make a grab at it. Ensure dishes for the guests at the table have arrived and they have started eating before your teenager makes a beeline for it. Pace meals slowly and do not rush them.

Sharing food

If your teenager is sharing a plate at a restaurant, make sure that he or she is considerate to the person they share their food with. It is best to divide the food using another plate before they commence eating.

Texting or talking on the phone

Phone etiquette is very important during a meal. Teenagers are obsessed with social media and want to be in touch all the time. Texting and posting on social networks without much regard for the others at the table, is considered bad manners. Unless there is an emergency, phone use is discouraged. Also, if a picture needs to be taken, request permission from the rest of the table.

Making conversation

The essence of eating out is socializing and enjoying the company. While it is permissible to talk before the food arrives, talking with mouths full is not appreciated. Ensure your teen swallows his food properly, before making conversation.

Maintaining table manners and etiquette is essential in the world that we live in today and aids in the transformation of a teenager into a charming and pleasant adult. Instead of pointing fingers, parents can give positive inputs to teenagers about table manners.