I was lucky enough to grow up in a family and in a culture where food and eating together was an essential part of life. Some of my most precious childhood memories happened around the kitchen table. My love for cooking and entertaining came from seeing my own mother excited about creating meals that didn’t just nurture our bodies but filled our souls. Today I’m sharing five precious life-changing lessons that our children can learn around the kitchen table without any effort!
Here we go!
1
Those that eat together… Laugh TOGETHER!
“Knock Knock.
Who’s there!
Ice cream!
Ice cream who?
Ice cream if you don’t let me eat!”
My grandma used to say this : “When your belly is full your heart is happy!”
I’m a firm believer that this is true!
What a great opportunity we have to bring into our homes happiness! During dinner time we get to share food and the table { or kitchen island 😉 } with those people that know us best! Really, there is nothing to hide! This is the time when kids get to share their silly school adventures, where jokes are shared, where we can leave the worries and work behind, and let’s face it… where more than once unwelcome burps happen! Happiness and laughter is a wonderful gift that children can learn to appreciate during dinner time!
2
Those that Eat Together… Pray TOGETHER!
When I was a child I learned around the kitchen table that I was loved!
I don’t remember the words of any of my childhood prayers even though I started praying when I was really young. I can clearly remember however how we prayed together as a family around the dining table. I can almost hear the reverent voice of my mama thanking God for me and my siblings, for the food we had, and for the roof over our heads. I also remember her praying for others and asking God to watch after those that were in need. I remember her asking our Father in Heaven to protect us, to keep us safe, and to be kind and aware of those around us. I’m still so grateful for that!
3
Those that eat together… Communicate TOGETHER!
Let me tell you something… I’m a mom x 4!
I’m the mom of a sweet 8 year old and I’m also the mom of THREE teenagers! I gotta tell you, to get words out of a teen’s mouth during the day can be harder that giving up… CHOCOLATE! However during dinner time something happens, they open up, we talk to each other, listen to each other, and share with each other! Since they were little dinner time has been family time. The TV is off, the phones are off, and family, friends, and good food is the only thing that is welcome at the table!
During dinner time we have a chance to share more than a meal. We have the opportunity to talk about our days, to remember old days, and plan for the days ahead. We get the chance to hang out together, dream together, get to know each other better, and becoming as family best friends!
4
Those that Eat Together… Work TOGETHER!
Dinner time is the best time to teach our kiddos how to work!
I can personally say that my love for cooking comes from the many times I helped make dinner when I was just a kid. Working in the kitchen was fun! Washing veggies, setting the table, doing dishes, and even taking the garbage out are small chores that will help children to learn working skills and a deep appreciation for the work behind a meal!
5
Those that eat together… Make memories TOGETHER!
How many of us can remember a dish that our mom used to make when we were little, something that grandma used to bake when we went to visit, or what dad grilled for us? How many of us can relate stories that happened around a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? How many of us treasure a family recipe?
While we eat together we are teaching our children that family is a gift. It’s not about what we eat really, it’s about who we share the meal with. No matter if we are serving fast food or the perfect recipe that we found on Pinterest, the most important thing is to appreciate those that laugh with us, pray with us, talk to us, share the load with us, and make memories with us!
Let’s eat… TOGETHER!
♥
Thank you so much for stopping by today!
Here are other posts that our readers love!
10 Things Children Will Always Remember – Click HERE
12 Things to Tell Our Daughters Before 13 – Click HERE
Kitchen Set Free Printables – Click HERE
Wishing you all a delicious day!
♥ Desirée
So true but as long as the majority of meals are together your family will benefit- even if it’s just Mac n cheese!
I agree 100%!