17 Dinner Table Rules From The 1960s That Would Make Today’s Kids Lose Their Minds

Ah, the 1960s—a time of free love, rock ‘n’ roll, and dinner table rules so strict they could make a drill sergeant proud.

Picture this: a family meal that felt more like a formal ceremony, where even the slightest etiquette slip could earn you a stern glance or worse—no dessert!

From the forbidden act of placing elbows on the table to the surprisingly strict rules about what you could drink, mealtime was a serious affair. Get ready for a hilarious throwback as we dive into 17 dinner table rules from the ‘60s that would leave today’s kids absolutely baffled!

1. No Elbows on the Table—Ever!

Leaning in too much? BAM! Grandma’s got laser vision for those elbows. You’d better sit up straight unless you want the look that turns you into a statue.

It was like being under constant surveillance, with authority figures ready to pounce at the slightest infraction. Sitting properly wasn’t just about posture – it was about respecting the sanctity of the dinner table, an altar of family unity.

Today, kids might find it hard to believe such strictness existed, where a mere elbow malfunction could earn you a stern talking-to or worse – a lecture on manners! Sit up straight, please.

2. You Eat What’s on Your Plate—No Exceptions!

“Oh, you don’t like peas? Too bad, kid. You’re eating ‘em.” No special meals, no substitutions. In the ’60s, dinner wasn’t a restaurant, and kids didn’t get to choose.

You either finish or sit there until bedtime staring at cold meatloaf. It was a time before dietary preferences and allergies were widely acknowledged, leaving many children to endure meals they loathed.

The idea of customizing your meal was as foreign as mobile phones. Kids today might lose their appetite just thinking about it, but back then, it was just another day at the table.

3. Kids Speak Only When Spoken To

Want to share your fun school story? Too bad. You’re not in charge.

If Dad asks how your day was, you might get your chance, but don’t push it. In the ’60s, children were seen and not heard, a philosophy that extended to meal times. The dinner table was a platform for adult conversation, with kids playing a supporting role.

For many, it felt like a scene from a play, waiting for their cue to speak. Today’s kids, with their constant chatter, might find this rule unbelievably suppressive. Silence, however, was golden in the well-ordered 1960s household.

4. No Getting Up Until Everyone is Done

Done eating? Guess what? You’re not done. You sit there until everyone else finishes, and no, you can’t check your phone – because it’s 1965 and your entertainment is watching Uncle Bob chew.

Meals were a communal experience, and patience was a virtue learned over the dinner table. The concept of leaving the table early was as outrageous as leaving a sports game before the final whistle.

Today’s kids, accustomed to on-demand everything, might find this rule antiquated. But back then, it was about savoring food and family time, even if it meant enduring some long, awkward silences.

5. If You Don’t Like It, Tough

No whining, no complaining. The cook (aka Mom) made it, so you’re eating it. Period. The phrase “Can I have something else?” was grounds for immediate disownment.

In the ’60s, food wasn’t just sustenance; it was a lesson in gratitude and discipline. Parents expected their children to appreciate what was served, a practice that taught resilience and respect. Modern kids, accustomed to personalized meals, might view this rule as draconian.

But in those days, turning up your nose at dinner was akin to a culinary crime, punishable by another helping of whatever you disliked most.

6. Ask Permission to Leave the Table

No one just gets up and walks away like some lawless savage. You had to say, “May I be excused?” and wait for a yes. Otherwise? You stay seated.

This wasn’t merely about etiquette – it was about teaching respect for the meal and the people sharing it. The ritual of asking permission underscored the communal nature of dining. Today, kids might find such formalities excessive, more fit for a royal banquet than a family dinner.

However, this practice instilled a sense of decorum and collective respect, qualities that seem almost quaint in our fast-paced modern world.

7. Dessert is a Privilege, Not a Right

No, you don’t automatically get dessert. You finish your entire plate first, including those mushy peas, or that apple pie might just disappear.

Dessert was the ultimate reward, not a given. It taught kids the value of completing tasks and the joy of earning something sweet.

Modern kids might find this rule bewildering, accustomed to having dessert as a regular part of meals. But in the ’60s, it was a motivation to clear your plate, a goal to strive for with every dreaded bite of spinach. Only then did you earn the coveted sweet treat of the day.

8. Napkins Go on Your Lap, Not Your Face

You better not wipe your hands on your pants. And napkins are for dabbing, not full-face scrubbing like you just survived an apocalypse.

Napkin etiquette was taken seriously, a fundamental lesson in table manners. It was about maintaining dignity and cleanliness, even if gravy seemed determined to escape your fork. Kids today, who might view napkins as optional, would be surprised by the strictness of this rule.

But it was all part of a broader lesson in self-presentation, ensuring that even the youngest diner upheld the family’s standard of decorum. Napkins were more than fabric; they were a badge of upbringing.

9. Everyone Eats Together, No Exceptions

You think you can just grab a plate and go eat in your room? HA! Dinner is a family event, and you’ll sit at that table like it’s Thanksgiving every night.

In an era without the distractions of social media, mealtime was sacred family time. It was about unity, where everyone gathered to share not just food, but experiences and stories. Modern kids, with their preference for solitary screen time, might struggle with this concept.

But in the ’60s, the dinner table was the heart of the home, a place where bonds were strengthened, and memories were made over shared laughter and meals.

10. No Picky Eaters Allowed

Gluten-free? Dairy-free? “I don’t like mushrooms?” Too bad! If it’s on your plate, you’re eating it.

Picky eaters were seen as tiny rebels and swiftly dealt with (via more veggies). The concept of food preferences wasn’t entertained; children were expected to eat what was served. This rule was about resilience, fostering an attitude of gratitude and adaptability.

Kids today, with a buffet of dietary options, might find this approach unthinkably strict. Yet, it taught a lesson in appreciation and humility—values that were cherished in the 1960s household. Eating was less about choice and more about character.

11. No Chewing with Your Mouth Open

This wasn’t just a rule—it was a commandment. If you smacked your food, you’d get a death stare so intense it could melt your spoon.

Table manners were paramount, and chewing with your mouth closed was non-negotiable. It was about showing respect to those around you and preventing unsightly dining experiences. Kids today might overlook such niceties, but in the ’60s, it was part of the moral code.

The rule wasn’t just about aesthetics – it was about instilling a sense of civility and consideration for others. Chewing quietly was an art form, honed over years of practice and maternal reminders.

12. No Reaching Across the Table

Want the mashed potatoes? You ask politely. Don’t you dare stretch your grubby hands across the table like some kind of wild raccoon.

This rule was about patience and politeness, qualities highly valued in the 1960s. It taught children the importance of asking for what they wanted, rather than taking. Modern kids, used to instant gratification, might find this rule restrictive.

However, it was a lesson in self-control and respect for others’ space. By fostering polite requests, it ensured that meals remained orderly and civilized, turning each dining experience into a mini-lesson in good manners and social etiquette.

13. Milk or Water—That’s It

Thirsty? You get two choices: milk or water. Want juice or soda? Not a chance, kid.

And yes, you’re finishing that glass of milk before you leave the table. Beverages were simple, reflecting the straightforward nature of 1960s dining. It was about nutrition and simplicity, ensuring children received the essentials without the frills of sugary drinks.

Kids today, with endless beverage options, might find this rule limiting. Yet, it was about priorities—health over indulgence. The rule of ‘milk or water’ taught restraint and understanding of nutritional needs, a lesson that remains relevant even in today’s world of abundant choices.

14. No TV During Dinner

Forget about eating in front of the TV. The only thing you’ll hear is Dad reading the newspaper or a very intense discussion about who left the porch light on again.

Dinners were screen-free zones, a time for personal interaction, not television dramas. In an era when TV dinners were becoming popular, this rule was a stand against the tide of technology overtaking family moments.

Today’s generation, perpetually glued to screens, might struggle to grasp the importance of face-to-face conversation. Yet, in these moments, families connected personally, making memories without the distraction of digital noise.

15. No Fidgeting, Slouching, or Playing with Food

Spinning your fork? Rocking your chair? That’s a one-way ticket to a very stern warning.

Dinner was not the time to test physics. This rule emphasized respect for the dining environment, a place for eating and conversation, not antics. Kids had to learn the art of sitting still, a skill that seems elusive today. Modern children, who often multitask during meals, might find this rule overly strict.

Yet, it was about maintaining focus and decorum, ensuring that mealtime remained a respected occasion. This focus on discipline helped foster an environment of respect and attentiveness, crucial values in a bustling household.

16. No “I’m Full” After Three Bites

“Oh, you’re full already?” Nope. You’re mysteriously full after three bites but somehow always have room for cake? Nice try. This rule was a counter to clever tactics used by kids to avoid eating vegetables.

It taught children to be honest and eat adequately before dessert. Modern kids, with their selective appetites, might see this rule as unnecessary.

However, in the ’60s, it was about ensuring proper nutrition and honesty at the table. It taught the importance of finishing what you started, a value extending beyond the dinner table. Eating was more than feeding the body; it was about feeding the spirit of integrity.

17. You Thank the Cook—Always

After dinner, you always say, “Thank you for dinner.” Even if it was liver and onions.

Even if you cried while eating it. You thanked the chef, or else. This rule was about gratitude and respect for the effort put into preparing meals. It wasn’t just about words – it was about acknowledging the love and labor behind every dish.

Today’s children, who might take meals for granted, could learn from this practice. It reinforced the importance of appreciation, a timeless lesson in any era. Saying thank you was more than polite – it was an embodiment of familial respect and kindness.