Dining Etiquette for Children – FAQs

Dining Etiquette for Children is an intensive dining etiquette class for 6 – 12 year old girls and boys. This intensive course teaches dining skills and importantly, the social skills associated with dining.  It aims to give the children and their parents confidence and a sense of security that they know how to behave at the dining table in any company.

What are the teacher’s credentials?

I attended Swiss finishing school where I studied international etiquette and protocol. I am certified to teach children’s etiquette and also business etiquette. I have taught etiquette to royal children.

What language is spoken in the class?

The class will be delivered in English.  There have been children in previous classes who understood some English but were not confident in speaking English, and they were encouraged to contribute to the class in their preferred language (French, Italian and Spanish). There have also been classes where the children did not understand any English. In these cases, a French-speaking assistant sat with those children and provided interpretation.

It is important to note that this is a very practical class and the real learning is through observation and practice.  Through each course, I demonstrate and the children copy.  I go round the table and help each child where it’s needed. In bigger classes, I also have one or more assistants sitting beside the younger children to help them.

What can we expect when we sign up?

A few days before the class, those enrolled will receive an email with practical details for the class (timings, parking, dress code, etc).  Included will be a menu. Parents are encouraged to show this to their children and talk about the food that will be served.

What is the dress code?

Children are asked to dress smartly, appropriate to the venue. If your child would like to dress ‘up’ for the occasion, they are certainly welcome to do so.

Does my child have to eat the food?

Children are encouraged to try the food but are not obliged to eat in the class. They may practise cutting without actually eating the food.

What is the protocol for allergies?

Parents are asked to notify me of any allergies or restrictions before the class so that their child can have suitable food.

How will I know what to practise with my child?

After the class, parents will receive an email detailing everything we learned, so you can help your children to practise at home. Parents will also receive an individual evaluation of their children’s participation in the class, showing strengths and areas for improvement.

Testimonials

The experience was so positive! My daughter was happy to explain to me what she learnt at the dining table and she said it was more fun than having her mum nag at her at tell her where to put her napkin etc!…It was also good for her to be amongst other children who wanted to learn. The hotel choice was lovely and my daughter said the food was exquisite! ~ Raquel

This session was just what we were looking for without even knowing we were looking for it!  My daughter, like many 6 year olds, lacked a lot of dining finesse (shall we say) at the table and, like many parents, we had used all the tools in our toolbox with limited success.  Enter Swiss Etiquette and Rhoda!  The entire experience was wonderful and my daughter emerged armed with many new skills and information that she eagerly shared with our entire family. In addition, and importantly, Rhoda was extremely attentive to my daughter’s dietary restrictions, including an anaphylactic allergy, sharing the menu and ingredient lists ahead of time so that we felt reassured that our daughter would be safe.  Thank you, Rhoda! ~ Miriam

My daughter really enjoyed your course and learned a lot of things that she showed me with enthusiasm. She also told me so many nice things about you and the whole experience. I will be looking into the courses you offer so that she can reinforce what she has learned. Thank you also for being so accommodating with my requests. ~ Blanca

Thank you for the wonderful workshop designed for children. I didn’t hesitate to enrol the moment I saw the opportunity.  My daughter told me that she had a wonderful time, and the food was fabulous. She demonstrated what she learned during the weekend and we were all impressed. We will remind our daughter to keep up the good eating manner. Thanks once again and see you next time. ~ Janice

My boys really enjoyed your dining and etiquette class and I’ve been so happy to see them applying what they learnt with enthusiasm and pride!   Again, thank you so much. ~ Sarah

The children really enjoyed the Class and were asking if they could come back again.  I was really glad they loved it and learnt a lot as well.  They have both improved a lot.  I am more confident now to take them out to restaurants more often.  Thank you so much. ~ Chinaka

That was the best etiquette class ever! ~ Victor, age 10

Thanks for a great course. As soon as my son arrived home he spontaneously told me it was really fun, he got to have ice cream and the teacher was really nice. 🙂 Then at dinner this evening I told him to hurry up/eat his food to which he said “mommy can’t you see (pointing to knife and fork position); I’m resting”. It was very cute, we had a laugh, which set him on a roll, explaining everything he learnt, which was easily 80% of what you wrote below which is wonderful. It’s given him a great awareness and appreciation for something that previously was just a given transaction of eating. I can see he is proud of what he’s learnt (and it was a nice refresher for us too). ~ Gail