4 yo's new behavior at meals

[Josiegirl]

Dcg doesn't seem to do well at learning proper manners at mealtime. I've tried to teach her how we chew with our mouth closed, with not a lot of success. Now her fav thing to do is gross the others out by chewing up her food and placing it near her teeth. Then the dcks go ewwww.
Ugh. Do I just dismiss her immediately if she starts that nasty game and le her come back to the table when she can behave? Any other suggestions?
Nothing like eating with kids to help a diet plan right along.::

[daycarediva]

My kids get a warning, and then they are excused from the table for the duration of the meal. At 4, she knows better and is perfectly capable of listening to your directions.

[Blackcat31]

My kids get a warning, and then they are excused from the table for the duration of the meal. At 4, she knows better and is perfectly capable of listening to your directions.

BEFORE sitting down:

"Sally, today if you do not use your table manners, you will be excused from the table"

DURING LUNCH: (optional....I will use it at the FIRST inkling of misbehavior as a subtle nudge to get herself back on track....)

"Sally, what was the rule we talked about?"

WHEN SHE MISBEHAVES:

"Sally, you are obviously not hungry. Please leave the table."

....straight to rest time she goes. I would NOT allow her to have any other option.

[daycare]

I'm with BC on this one.

I don't give warnings to kids that age. You're just letting them have another chance to do it again.

I say one and done.

Just like BC said , be proactive before she sits down.
Susie I know you are going to have amazing manners at lunch today and leave the food in your mouth, right? High five.

If she does it once, just as BC said looks like your telling me you're done. Let's go get your nap stuff.
Say it in a calm voice like its no big deal.

My motto is. Kids who don't listen don't have any fun. All of my kids know this and say it daily.

Other option is sit her at her own table where she won't have access to put on a GROSS SHOW for the kids.

[caligirl]

My kids get a warning, and then they are excused from the table for the duration of the meal. At 4, she knows better and is perfectly capable of listening to your directions.

I completely agree! And that is ONE warning. I'd say tell her as you are handing her the plate......this is your ONE warning.

[thrivingchildcarecom]

Yep! Excuse after ONE warning. After a few times she will get it! Right now she is getting an audience which makes it fun. No audience, no fun!

[Unregistered]

BEFORE sitting down:

"Sally, today if you do not use your table manners, you will be excused from the table"

DURING LUNCH: (optional....I will use it at the FIRST inkling of misbehavior as a subtle nudge to get herself back on track....)

"Sally, what was the rule we talked about?"

WHEN SHE MISBEHAVES:

"Sally, you are obviously not hungry. Please leave the table."

....straight to rest time she goes. I would NOT allow her to have any other option.

I've done this and it works great! It may take a few times being excused... my dcg will remember the next day and will eat great.

[Ariana]

Or start sitting her alone at another table far away. That works too. Give her a second chance the next day.