[TheMercenary]

Interesting discussion.

My Mom and Dad were pretty strict about it when we were growing up as well. Things went like this: Kids (5 of us) were responsible to set the table, usually fell on me or my sister as we were the youngest and more likely to be hanging about the kitchen when we were going to have dinner. You could not be late for dinner unless you had been formally excused from dinner or had written permission from the pope. No one would eat or serve til Dad and everyone else sat down and only after grace was said. Then things were passed, and always to the left only, never to the right. You never took the last helping without asking permission. You had to clean your plate of all food before you could leave the table and you could not leave until everyone finished or you would be in trouble. You did not leave the table unless you asked for permission, which was not always granted. No talking with food in your mouth. Zig-zag technique was mandatory, although it did not have a name back then, you just did it that way. All meat was to be cut into bite sized bits before eating. Shirts and shoes were required, no hats, no hats on in the house for that matter. No elbows on the table, "Elbows off the table Mable, this is not a horses stable". Use of the napkin was mandatory and in your lap when not in immediate use. No arguments at dinner. Dishwashing duty was rotated among all five by two's, one wash, one dryer/put awayer (no electric dishwashers). Anyone who failed to finish their food sat at the table for hours until said food was eaten. It was fairly strict. Things relaxed as more and more kids went off to college.

Dad was a Naval Officer and the High School Principal.

Us, not so strict. We are lucky to have a family meal as busy as kids are now days. As the kids are off and gone to college we do enjoy a sit down more now than before when they come home.