Teaching Table Manners

Table manners are really big with me, I truly believe they are a foundation of politeness in everyday life. We cover the basics; napkin on lap, pray before eating, use your utensils, ask to be excused, say please and thank you and do not chew food with your mouth open. Last night I called him to dinner in the middle of playing, which was met with great resistance. He reluctantly came to the table, but was very distracted during dinner and decided to leave the table to return to playing without asking to be excused. I reminded him about our rules, asked him to the return to the table.

Me: Milo, you know the rules, please come and sit back down.
Milo: NO!!!! I don't want to.
Me: Milo, do not use that tone. Please come back to the table.
Milo: NO!!!! You are bugging me! (This is a precious phrase, not sure where he found it)
Me: This is your warning. I would like you to return to the table please
Milo: NO! You are not my friend. Quit bugging me! (This in a scream)
Me: Okay, buddy you are heading for a time out. Let's go.

Milo trudges back to his room, where he waits for the 3 minutes to calm down.
3 minutes later...

Me: Milo do you know why you got a time out?
Milo: Yes, because I didn't listen
Me: Correct. What are our rules at the table Milo?
Milo: (very serious face) We do not pee on people or poop on people
Me: (trying very hard to keep my serious face) Well those are really good rules in life, not just at the table. But I was thinking of the "asking to be excused" rule.
Milo: But I don't ever pee or poop on people, right?
Me: Right!

I don't think I have ever specifically told him not to "pee or poop" on anyone but I am very glad that he is clear on this rule, even without having to be to told.