We opened the year by exploring how to implement important skills into daily mealtime rhythms. In February, we considered who to invite to the table to enrich relationships. This month, it’s all about having fun.
Try chopsticks.
Did you know there’s a Chopsticks Day (February 6)? Did you know there are training chopsticks? You don’t need to eat Chinese to enjoy these, but it’s more fun to get Chinese takeout or fix a meal of rice and stir-fry. Parents must participate.
Consider a theme night.
Do you have a favorite book or country? What about Taco Tuesday or Soup Sunday? Whenever the Olympics come around, our family tries a restaurant or fixes a meal from that country. This year, we visited a French restaurant (but croissants from the grocery store qualified too).
Try a no-manners night.
We focused on manners as the kids grew up. I even charged them a nickel or dime if they got caught breaking one (sometimes a whopping 25 cents for a major infraction). But occasionally, we’d have a no-manners night. Imagine all three kids drinking carbonated sodas to see who could burp the loudest, or have see-food contests. I realized they knew their manners because they broke every last one.
Switch your meals around.
What if you had breakfast for dinner? What kid wouldn’t love pancakes or waffles at night instead of in the morning? Add a protein like eggs to fill them up.
Swap the cook.
Let the kids plan and make the meal instead of mom. As our kids got older, they fixed some pretty good meals. Even if it’s a simple peanut butter sandwich, make it fun and encourage the cook.
It’s a Pajama party.
Eat in your pajamas for dinner. Everyone could bring a stuffed buddy to the table as well. Or watch a movie and allow kids to sit on the floor and eat.
Participate in “Iron Chef.”
When the kids were teenagers, we organized a few Iron Chef competitions inspired by the show. (Mom was the judge since she always cooked). One year, the secret ingredient was cinnamon. Another year, the contestants had to create a red, white, and blue dish using no food coloring. Yet another year, it was hamburgers (the burger between a cut-in-half glazed donut won). Yes, this one takes more time and planning, but the kids still talk about it.
Bring a joke night.
Everyone should come to the table with an appropriate joke for the family. Share the jokes. Provide a book if someone forgot the assignment.
Make a charcuterie tray.
They are popular and can be used to make any meal. Include your kids in deciding on a theme and shopping for the items. (Set a budget.) The possibilities are unlimited.
Sally Cressman, author of The Dance of Easter, posts family conversation starters on Facebook and Instagram each Thursday. Subscribe to her website for the latest book news.
