Julie: My oldest son does. Sometimes, he forgets that he just took a humongous bite of food right before feeling compelled to join in on the table conversation. Not only can I not understand a word he’s saying, but I suddenly find myself very concerned that the chewed up food is going to spill out of his mouth and all over his lap. Ugh. Gross. He doesn’t always chew this way, but it happens quite often and I wonder how he can still have this annoying habit even after 14 or so years of my husband and I telling him to stop. Last night, I asked him why he does it and he honestly doesn’t know he’s doing it. But that’s a lame excuse, if it was an excuse. He needs to be more conscious of it. Especially in public. He’s 15 for cryin’ out loud. Even if you’re 10, chewing with your mouth open and full of food is gross.

Kim:  Is this your “subtle” way of telling me that Katie to chews too loud? ? In all seriousness though there are times that I notice Katie chewing so loud that I can hardly hear myself think. I’d always figured that if I tell her enough times that she will eventually either grow out of it or get tired of being nagged at. Apparently, judging from Tony, that may not be the case. But I’d be willing to bet that once he meets a girl that he wants to impress his manners will miraculously improve before your very eyes. Right now I’m still working on getting Katie to flush the friggin toilet! Pick and choose your battles Jules…pick and choose your battles.

Julie: Ha! Actually, I’ve only noticed Cassie doing it, if you can believe that! I know what you mean about picking and choosing the battles. And this is the battle I’m choosing. I don’t want my kids to be seen eating like pigs. If Tony is going to be invited to eat at a girlfriend’s house one day, her parents are going to gross out. Seriously, there are people (like myself) who find it deeply disturbing and unappetizing to dine with swine. Dude. I don’t want my kids to offend. How embarrassing.