| by Beverly Smith |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Children and Mealtime |
Meaningful mealtime doesn’t have to start when the food is brought to the table or end when the
plates are pushed away. We can teach our children to plan meals, shop wisely, prepare the table
for dinner, cook, and clean up after the meal.
Meal planning allows us to shop more specifically, and helps us not to flounder each day when it is
time to cook. Here are a couple of links dedicated to meal planning that may be helpful:
A great article on menu planning
A website dedicated to meal planning
Shopping with children can be enjoyable for everyone involved. I have two young ones, and I am
careful to go out when they are well rested! My daughters love watching me clip coupons each
Monday, and one day I will let them help me cut and organize them. My oldest daughter watches me
match the coupons to the food, “We’re going to buy this kind of cereal this week because Mommy
has a coupon for this one.” When we get home, I let my oldest who is three, help me put the
groceries away in their proper place.
We as adults spend so much time in the kitchen, and isn’t it great when our little ones can join us? I
think many of us have memories of our childhood kitchens, whether we were eating a snack after
school, helping to prepare a meal, or talking as we cleaned up the dinner dishes.
Both girls and boys will appreciate learning how to help in the kitchen. Simple mixing, or even
holding a measuring spoon for you until you are ready for it, will make toddlers feel like they are
helping. Older children can even prepare simple meals with your supervision.
5 Fun Cooking Activities for Kids
Easy Kid’s Recipes
The table is a wonderful time for families to talk and spend quality time with one another without
other distractions. Take the time to find out about everyone’s day and what things will be going on
the next day. Laugh and enjoy each other. This may be the only time in the day that everyone can be
in one place at the same time.
Ways to make Dinnertime Interesting and Meaningful
When mealtime is over, little children can carry small items to the kitchen, and of course, older
children can help with the washing and putting away. This doesn’t have to be time of monotony;
many find this a great time to enjoy more family time together. Many hands do make light work.
I hope some of these links have been helpful! Enjoy dinner with your family.
Love,
Beverly
© 2004-2013, Speakable Gifts |
| Involving Children From Start to Finish in Mealtime |
