Dear Francine, I have two children. One is as neat as a pin and is always using his best manners. The other is the exact opposite. At dinner, we encourage both children to eat slowly, chew with their mouths shut and use all their good manner words. However, the second child eats so fast he will have a trail of crumbs and food bits all around the edge of the plate on the placemat. Food will be smeared on his face. When chewing, food is visible inside his mouth. We have tried rewards for good manners. But he doesn’t seem interested in earning the reward. We tried scolding, but that just backfires. We have avoided going out to eat because of this behavior. What do you suggest? Speed Eaters Mom   Dear Speed’s Mom, It sure sounds like you have your hands full. I imagine the reason your scolding hasn’t worked is because the other sibling chimes in and then your efforts are divided. I would guess the rewards weren’t sufficiently enticing, or they would have worked. You don’t say how old the children are, but judging from your frustrated tone, they’re old enough to know better and not babies. … Continue reading →