Etiquette
Other
Recently my eldest came home from school upset as ' Granny' ( a retired lady who helps out at school) had told her off for having her knife and fork the wrong way round.
How important do you feel it is that this is taught?
Certainly don't agree with being that pedantic over table manners. A child may be right or left handed and need to hold in 'wrong' hands, does it really matter....no. But I do believe in good manners overall and in teaching the basics.
I think it’s very important that good manners are taught.
There’s an expression ‘Manners maketh man’ that sums it up:
Today, broadly it means that your mannerisms and characteristics make you who you are, and that people are judged by their manners and conduct. In earlier times the expression probably had a broader meaning, i.e. that manners make us human, and that politeness and etiquette are what prevent us from falling into savagery.
Here’s a guide from Debretts about how to use your knife and fork properly.
Personally, when it comes to eating peas off the top of the fork (rather than incorrectly turning it over to scoop them up) I cheat, and scoop.
I bet ‘Granny’ cheats too, when no-one is looking. And she’s probably hopeless with chopsticks!
At a young age, it’s probably even more important to teach children how best to hold their knife to get maximum cutting power.
Interesting read, 100% agree how best to hold there knife efficiently but not so much they should be judged should they hold it incorrectly.
MumOfThree I agree that young children shouldn't be judged - but after about age ten they should have reasonable table manners, it's not hard. If table manners are not taught in school Mum & Dad can easily look them up on YouTube and do a watch and learn together with their kids.
The reality is that adults are judged by their manners and conduct - I don't see that changing anytime soon. If good manners are taught early and become instinctive - that's probably a good thing.
It is much easier when dealing with peas to hold the plate up to mouth (with left hand) and sweep the peas into mouth with the concave side of fork (held in the right hand). Or vice versa if left handed.
But don't tuck your restaurant napkin into collar unless you want people to think you're uncouth.
I'm left handed but eat right handed because my parents were adamant I should be taught the 'right way'. I remember finding it quite difficult at the time though consequently I do most things right handed now. I don't see it as a big issue with kids what way round the knife and fork is - I'd be more concerned with things like talking with their mouth full or mouth open when chewing.
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