In recent years, millennial parents have embraced a more gentle and inclusive approach to parenting, prioritizing open communication and teaching their children important life skills. However, one surprising aspect of their parenting style is their departure from traditional table manners.
According to recent surveys, 73% of British parents believe that table manners are less significant today than in the past. Similarly, a separate poll revealed that 60% of young adults aged 12 to 27 consider old-fashioned table manners irrelevant.
This shift is evident in the dining habits of millennial parents, who are no longer reprimanding their children at the dinner table for minor etiquette breaches. Additionally, they are engaging in behaviors such as answering calls, texting, and starting to eat before other diners’ food arrives.
Etiquette expert Liz Wyse suggests that this new approach to table manners reflects a broader trend toward informality in society. However, she emphasizes that certain fundamental table manners, such as keeping elbows off the table during meals, remain important for social interaction.
While some experts, like William Hanson, believe that certain rules, such as avoiding elbows on the table, are outdated, others, like Wyse, argue that these manners still serve a valuable purpose in preventing discomfort and creating a positive dining experience for all.
