Sunday, July 15, 2007

Dinnertime

Eating together as a family is important to both Paul and me. It's an activity that everyone can participate in no matter their age. It provides the opportunity for us to talk about the events of the day, what we learned, what struck as funny or sad or exciting, and what we hope we can do in the future.

There are times we talk about world events, something I relish since I'm not around other adults during the day. But since Laurel and Ian are too young yet to understand or show an interest, these topics are limited. If Paul or I dwell on such topics too long, the wee ones get antsy and may perform less than desirable tricks seeking attention. But as the kids get older, we will be able to include world events more and more. It's important for children to become aware of things outside their own little universe.

Often, topics include family members near and far. We are fortunate in having a large family, and there is constantly news to share or a story or two to tell. Ian and Laurel chime in cheerfully repeating familiar names and add that they want those people to come over. They never tire of their relatives.

What I look forward to most at dinnertime, is when one of us spontaneously will say or do something silly that makes us all laugh. Laurel loves blowing raspberries with food in her mouth, spraying anyone and anything within range. We try to keep straight faces so she will stop, but the silliness always overtakes us, we cave and laugh long and hard.

I also love displays of sweetness. I'm remembering a time when Ian and Laurel were sitting next to one another and Ian chose to hold Laurel's hand. We're not sure why he suddenly was so affectionate, but she sure loved it and let out happy, high pitched squeals. They must have spent a good five minutes eating with one hand and grasping their sibling's hand with the other, all the while giggling and looking at one another.

I look forward to dinnertime. It's important that we talk, that we know what's going on in each other's lives. It's important for us to have an activity that we all participate in at the same time. It helps us bond.

I realize that right now, while the kids are young, Paul and I have control over choosing to eat as a family every night. As Ian and Laurel get older, this may become a more and more difficult accomplishment. Being important to us, we will continue this nightly activity going as much as possible.



Paul, Ian and Laurel enjoying dinner. Yes, we keep a package of baby wipes close by. Laurel's a bit, ummmm, messy.

Thanks Lori, at Glass Half Full for the blogging idea of The Family Table.

11 comments:

Glass Half Full said...

Oh I love this photo!!!

Thanks for participating.

Lori

Pendullum said...

A grand ritutal to have... a tradition...And true bonds made while breaking bread and blowing raspberries...

Rachel (Crazy-Is) said...

We too, eat dinner as a family as much as possible. It's not every night, because, lately, we've been soooo busy, but at least once a week!!

It's a great tradition!

Totallyscrappy said...

I love your comment about the wet wipes. I know my babies are really no longer babies, but I will ALWAYS need wet wipes!

Elizabeth F. said...

Great post! I have heard of families as their kids got older they had a family night once a week when there were no activities going on. Everyone was required to be there. There was a special meal, game, or something to do. I think that's a neat way to make being together special and a big deal.

Come on by and check out my Family Table too!

Lady M said...

Your kids are so cute!

We try to eat together. We manage to all be doing eating-type activities at the same time. However, it seems like one of us is always standing up, cutting Q's food, refilling drinks, wiping up. It should get easier though . . .

Mama's Moon said...

This is an important daily 'tradition' for me as well. Too many times I see families eating and running - the kids aren't grounded in the way that they feel comfortable and close enough to share things with one another. Eating just becomes a chore that they speed through in hopes of getting that extra ten minutes of play afterward.

We definitely make a big deal of sitting and eating at least one meal together a day.

Anonymous said...

My Mom always had us eat together, too. When you're a teen, it can be a drag. Looking back? I'm glad we did it--I have a ton of awesome memories from sitting as a family and always will!!

Sherri said...

We are the same way. Before having children, Jeff and I would eat in the living room. Even when Madison was born we would eat in there..until she got old enough to sit in a high chair. As soon as she could sit in one, I started putting our food at the table and pulling her up to eat with us. I'm so glad I did. I can't imagine not eating all together.
There are some nights...rare...when we will order out and Jeff and I will sit away from the table, but it is very rare. I love the family time at the table and miss it when we have to go without it.
Loved the post...so sweet.

Mistress Regina said...

The children are delightful. I wish your mother the best.

Have a glorious day.

Kelly said...

That is so awesome you guys eat as a family. Not too many people do that anymore..hopefully you can continue. I know growing up, We always ate as a family, no matter what. It always astonished me to find out that a lot of my friends didn't...or they ate while watching TV. Tv was never allowed on while we were eating!!