October: It's not Just for Halloween Anymore--Eat Together Month

re: October: It's not Just for Halloween Anymore--Eat Together Month

Susan — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:01:43 GMT

I let my girl pick the meal one night a week (and that's something that I started doing when she was probably 4 or so). She liked helping in the kitchen a little more when she was younger, but these days she's enjoying menu planning, so we shop at the farmer's market and then she picks a meal once a week. We do eat together every night (some semesters, one of us might teach at night, which leads to "special dinner" for the two left at home, just one-on-one time).The rewards for me are immediate--it's just good connecting time.

re: October: It's not Just for Halloween Anymore--Eat Together Month

sweetfaet — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:45:03 GMT

Congrats! nice story and so encouraging.. yeah i agree that eating with your kids is a good way to keep them away from wrong doings.

re: October: It's not Just for Halloween Anymore--Eat Together Month

BBBGMOM — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:31:12 GMT

Shannon - First of all, you are awesome. I love your writing style and am excited to read more posts from you.

Second, Bingo on not eating well before kids. My god - Ramen... Kraft Dinner (without veggies or fruit on the side)...two orders of egg rolls and chips & salsa? Maybe a large order of fries and a larger order of diet coke? That was me. Now I am much more conscientious so I don't know that I really need a month to point me in the right direction - seriously I'm a balanced meal kinda gal now that the kiddos (ages 10/7/2) are at the table. It's one thing I feel pretty confident about among myriad things I'm uncertain about!

K - I don't know what to say about that because I haven't been there yet. My eldest is a "tween" and is just starting to exhibit the classic signs of disinterest in the family. But we do have a rule at the table (for now) about no media (including Capt. Underpants books), let the phone ring and everyone stays until everyone's done (or is formally excused.) I feel like I have morphed into my grandmother, but it does help us feel sane and connected.

re: October: It's not Just for Halloween Anymore--Eat Together Month

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:39:48 GMT

I wish these studies could clarify whether it does any good if the teenager comes grudgingly to the table, takes the smallest passable serving, takes a bite between texts, and immediately leaves after finishing the plate.

Just doesn't seem like it would have the desired effect.