Overscheduled families are struggling to find quality time at the kitchen table – but the benefits are immediate and long-lasting.
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Studies, including a national adolescent health survey, show that the time a family spends eating meals at home together is the strongest predictor of children’s academic achievement and psychological adjustment, a protection against children’s smoking, drinking, or using drugs, and these families had fewer symptoms of eating disorders among college-age women.
Keep it simple. Make it easy for you. Choose 10 meals that are fast —fajitas, tacos, crockpot BBQ ribs, etc. For example, I like to make 3-Minute Fajitas— they’re simple, nutritious, delicious, and you can even make these ahead. For this recipe and four other quick ones, visit www.conniesokol.com. Or, evaluate your favorite recipes and consider how to simplify. For example, I like lasagna, but it can be a three-hour tour. So, I boil nine noodles and do three layers of cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, and natural bottled spaghetti sauce. Voila—takes me or one of my children five minutes to assemble.
It’s a family matter. Take a minute and assign specific and age- appropriate jobs. Then call it a cool name, like Sous Chef—it makes them more excited. Even young children can help. The adage is, if they can read they can do laundry, or in this case open a can, set a table, or clean off a table. Choose the least busy night of the week and designate it as a “Kids’ Cooking Night”, allowing them to cook the meal. My six-year-old can make scrambled eggs like you can’t believe. You are teaching children life skills which instill self- confidence, never mind an easier cooking time for you (eventually). Make sure clean-up is understood because children tend to bolt after dinner—one child we call “Stealth” and I’ve actually seen him quietly hug the railing and walk down the stairs to escape work. Perhaps try “1-2-3.” One is clearing the table; two is loading the dishwasher; three is putting leftovers in tubs and clean counters, etc. This method helps you choose from those readily available at the dinner table that night. Whatever you do, don’t do it all. Make it a family matter and they’ll get the concept—it’s family dinner, not Mom Slave Hour.
Make it fun. You don’t have to whistle while you work, but add some perks. Maybe a special apron with their name, or a chef’s hat. For older kids, ask fun questions—one high or low for the day, or quiz questions from a fun trivia game. Create a Kids’ Cookbook—don’t make it intense. I typed ours in black and white and laminated it. Period. The truly fun part is cooking together, one-on-one, and making memories. One of our children loves cooking so much that for her birthday she asked for cooking supplies! This doesn’t mean every meal will be joyous—it won’t be. But generally it will be bonding and that’s the goal—shared experiences amidst tasty vittles.
This week, try one way to spruce up mealtime and you’ll be enjoying great meals in a fun atmosphere in no time!
Thank-you for the Studio 5 segment. I appreciate the helps, especially the reminder that even quick simple meals will accomplish our desired goals!