I grew up with a mother who had very high expectations of me. She appreciated (expected) impeccable manners at all times. I too want my boys to know when to say please and thank you, open doors for ladies, say excuse me, and be polite.
BUT....when our family goes out to eat, I want to know that the experience we are having is full of the manners, but also filled with fun.
Today, as I ate out for lunch, I sat and watched a couple with kids who did not say one word to one another. From here on out, our restaurant manners include:
Stories from everyone in the family that include roaring laughter.
The go ahead to blowing the wrapper off the straw at either mom or dad.
The ability to play a game of penny hockey with forks on the laminate restaurant table.
Being able to try a bite off of everyone's plate.
Draw on all paper napkins - and definitely play a game of tic tac toe and hangman.
Manners - yes, please.
Enjoyable experience for all - YES, PLEASE!