Ok, so how do you get them to actually SIT at the table?! And eat?! (Ours is 3 yo dd.) We try to instill good manners but some nights it's like you are just banging your head against the wall! Suggestions anyone?! Thanks in advance!

My daughter is 3 as well but can I ask if there are older siblings? As I have noticed after number #1 child this helps the younger children understand table manners so much easier with an older sibling example.

We simply insist on her sitting for prayers and meals, but she is number 5 and she is the most respectful of the bunch. Just lead by example and set things as you feel necessary. Each household is so varied that you know how high to set your expectations of her.

Our children must be respectful, say prayers, eat politely, talk for some family time, ask to be excused and clean up their plates. Most nights are civilized but we also have times of craziness. That's how children learn. Just keep building on what she can do now. Definitely not worth banging your head against the wall.

Oh yeah and with our first 2 it was so much easier when we had a small dinner table to set a small childrens table next to ours and the 2 boys just say so sweetly. Now our table is huge so no room for that smaller table anyway.

Okay babbled enough here, he he.

Our dd is our only child for now.
Thank you for all your suggestions. I just find mealtimes frustrating sometimes and just want to be able to sit through without it being such a 'circus'. Most of the times she's great but sometimes it's like, argh!

We're having some of the same issues you are! Our ds is 3 and he sits in a booster that attaches to a regular chair. When we push him into the table there is no way for him to squirm or get down from his chair without asking for help. So, we don't have issues with getting him to stay seated.

However, we do have trouble getting him to eat. For ds, it's not an issue of whether or not he likes the food. He eats almost anything. It's just that we are continually nagging him to 'eat another bite'!! KWIM?? I have to be careful not to allow snacks right before dinner. This is hard for me because I like to snack just before dinner!

The thing that has helped most recently was this: We told ds that he needed to eat 3 bites of meat and 2 bites of veggie then he could be finished. We put of 3 fingers on his right hand and 2 on his left hand. Each time he eat a bit he could put down a corresponding finger. He loved this! He was excited to 'put down a finger' and see how many bites he had left. I was amazed!!

I have just told mine to "sit and behave" Rarely have I had to spank for disobedience. They are trained early for obedience, this is no different.
If one is that unruly, they obviously don't care about eating and should simply be removed from the table...to bed.

I'm with Tara, either you can sit and eat, sit and behave, or go to bed. We don't spend that long eating meals at home. I don't think it's too much to expect. Even our bouncing off the walls special needs son helps set the table, sits, folds hands for prayer, and clears a few things off. Most nights anyway :)

Don't get too frustrated... she may be pushing your buttons.

I like to keep my expectations high and that way I'm sure to come out with something at least acceptable. If not, then there will be consequences.

It sounds to me like you know what you want to happen... make it happen ;)