Back to the Dining Table - Part Two

I hope you enjoyed our first part of ‘Back to the Dining Table’.

Today I want to give you a few suggestions when it comes to the babies/toddlers in your family, teenagers, adult children, fussy eaters, the clean up (yikes!!!) and that ever disappointing news……"Honey, I won’t be home for dinner, start without me”.

Let’s get right into it – below are some very helpful hints that WILL make a difference in your home as you begin to establish your dining table as the central nervous system.

The babies/toddlers – we have a 20 month old and she is a huge part of our family. She is at dinner with us, her highchair is pulled up to the table. Part of our dinner enjoyment is watching how much food ends up in her mouth and/or on her head. There have, of course, been a few nights when dinner was pushed back (for whatever reason) and tiredness hit our beautiful baby. When this happens, a nice bowl of porridge and tucked into bed is the best solution. This however is the exception; the rule is dinner with the family.

The fussy eater - this is a hard one because it can be frustrating however I want to remind you to stick to making one meal for the family. Do this unless of course there are medical reasons for doing otherwise. You must remember you aren’t running a canteen - this is your home. Find out what your children like, work around that and add a few new things once a week or once a month. Remind the little ones that their tastebuds renew themselves every 7 to 10 days (bet you didn’t know that….).

The teens - let them have a go at preparing dinner one night. Let them choose the menu; you become their kitchen hand and have fun. I promise you’ll be surprised at what the night will look like. Conversation will naturally flow during the prep and enjoying the meal together. This also gives them a glimpse of exactly what you do to keep their growing tummies satisfied :)

The adult children – if you have adult children who are busy working take a moment and email them during the day and remind them how much you’re looking forward to seeing them in ‘their spot’ at the family table. Think about asking them if there is something special they'd like for dinner or a nice bottle of wine, perhaps they'd like to bring someone for a 'home cooked' meal.

The clean up - give everyone a chore to do and before you know it dinner dishes are done, the kitchen is tidy and everyone is that little bit closer.

The call – Here’s a tip for the long days when hubby/partner calls and he/she is working late. Turn a possibly frustrating situation into something great and have a candle light dinner with your children……they will love it and so will you. It's amazing how candle light can even make baked beans feel special.

Finally, remember that the dining/kitchen table is not simply wood and varnish rather it is a place where much is learned, manners are taught and life’s lessons are heard and seen.

Love each other and enjoy every minute even when it gets hard. Remember to smile through everything because the world looks better through smiling eyes. Tomorrow jump on and get some of our great meal ideas and grocery lists.


Susan xoxo