Pass the salt... please!

There's an interesting article in today's Globe and Mail about a camp for kids where they learn how to ace a private-school interview, make witty dinner conversation with Mom's boss and eat bacon with a fork.

Reading it earlier took me back to Scotland, many years ago during my formative years. We were not, by any stretch of the imagination, a family of wealth. I was the eldest of six siblings. Four sisters and one brother. There was a 12-year span between eldest and youngest.

While most meals involved a great deal of carbs (bread and potatoes) due to economic circumstances, we were still expected to eat "properly". In fact, there used to be a running "table manners" competition, the winner getting the equivalent of a quarter at the end of a week.

Our parents expected us to speak when spoken to and not interrupt any conversation unless there was an emergency; we had to close our mouths while chewing; never speak with food in our mouths; always ate soup with the spoon away from the body - and never slurped, etc.

Once in a very rare while we were taken to a restaurant. We all did the best we could not to embarrass ourselves or our parents while eating out and would smile as we heard other patrons whisper how well behaved we were.

Did it do us any harm? None. It was a part of our education. Life lessons.

Today, I can, on occasion, eat practically anywhere I choose. I cannot begin to tell you of the appalling table manners I continue to witness from many supposed young ladies and gentlemen; sprawling over the table, waving cutlery, spattering guests and patrons with their Osso Buco while saving the world, talking on their mobile phones. And please, don't get me started on insensitive louts who sit down at a table, at home or any restaurant where their sports cap du jour remains firmly planted on their heads. There are some folks whose religious beliefs make this a matter of principal. Fine. But the vast majority are just being plain rude and boorish.

I think that more should be done to educate our kids on how to behave in public and at a table. There is nothing opulent, snobby or elitist about that.

Our stewards for the future must learn what's right, what's expected... and what is most definitely not.