Bedtimes and mealtimes
Ren Allen
"Do others also enjoy eating as a family? If so, they'll come and sit
and talk, whether they eat or not."
We do things very much the way Pam described. We LOVE having family
mealtime. In our last house, things weren't set up to be very
conducive to this (art supplies all over the table etc..) but we
bought this house because of the kitchen and extra space that was SO
inviting for family meals and gathering.
So I've been cooking a lot of evening meals and even breakfasts. The
kids are loving it. We don't all get hungry at the same time though,
so just like Pam's example, I'll have a child out munching while I'm
preparing the meal.
We help each other get what we need, at any given time, even if
someone is hungry right before dinner. I've had kids eating huge bowls
of ice cream as dinner is being prepared, then sit down and eat loads
of dinner too! Trust.
I value that time to eat and connect around the table. We DO spend
loads of time together, but as kids get older, they're more involved
in their own activities so it's nice to really connect again in the
evening (or whenever).
I still trust them to listen to their own bodies. I try to cook foods
we all like, but if someone wants a peanut butter sandwich or other
snack instead of what I prepared, that's ok too.
Bedtime around here is when *I* can't keep my eyes open any more.:)
Because the two younger ones want me to tuck them in, cuddle, read
stories etc... except on the rare occasion that Jalen wants to finish
watching a movie, they sleep when I can't stay up anymore.:)
They're pretty tired by then anyway.
The older boys stay up almost all night though. The key is whether
everyone is letting the tired people sleep. Dh goes to bed earlier
than anyone...so we all get quiet for him.
Typically, Sierra (who loves bedtime ritual) will say "I have a great
idea Mom. I'm going to take a warm bubble bath, then let's read books
and cuddle, ok?" So she usually starts up the calm-down time.
They love to read lots and lots of books lately, so I read until my
head starts to fall forward and then we turn off the lights.
That's "bedtime" around here. It might be 9:30, it might be
midnight...just depends on the days activities and how tired we all are.
Ren
and talk, whether they eat or not."
We do things very much the way Pam described. We LOVE having family
mealtime. In our last house, things weren't set up to be very
conducive to this (art supplies all over the table etc..) but we
bought this house because of the kitchen and extra space that was SO
inviting for family meals and gathering.
So I've been cooking a lot of evening meals and even breakfasts. The
kids are loving it. We don't all get hungry at the same time though,
so just like Pam's example, I'll have a child out munching while I'm
preparing the meal.
We help each other get what we need, at any given time, even if
someone is hungry right before dinner. I've had kids eating huge bowls
of ice cream as dinner is being prepared, then sit down and eat loads
of dinner too! Trust.
I value that time to eat and connect around the table. We DO spend
loads of time together, but as kids get older, they're more involved
in their own activities so it's nice to really connect again in the
evening (or whenever).
I still trust them to listen to their own bodies. I try to cook foods
we all like, but if someone wants a peanut butter sandwich or other
snack instead of what I prepared, that's ok too.
Bedtime around here is when *I* can't keep my eyes open any more.:)
Because the two younger ones want me to tuck them in, cuddle, read
stories etc... except on the rare occasion that Jalen wants to finish
watching a movie, they sleep when I can't stay up anymore.:)
They're pretty tired by then anyway.
The older boys stay up almost all night though. The key is whether
everyone is letting the tired people sleep. Dh goes to bed earlier
than anyone...so we all get quiet for him.
Typically, Sierra (who loves bedtime ritual) will say "I have a great
idea Mom. I'm going to take a warm bubble bath, then let's read books
and cuddle, ok?" So she usually starts up the calm-down time.
They love to read lots and lots of books lately, so I read until my
head starts to fall forward and then we turn off the lights.
That's "bedtime" around here. It might be 9:30, it might be
midnight...just depends on the days activities and how tired we all are.
Ren
Ren Allen
"and the leftover broccoflower"
Ooh, ooh! We just tried that two nights ago. Sierra had seen some at
the store and was fascinated by the bright green color. It looks like
some bizarre Dr. Seuss food (or maybe I'm being influenced by having
read "green eggs and ham" a million times this week).
It's mutant food, I swear!
Ren
Ooh, ooh! We just tried that two nights ago. Sierra had seen some at
the store and was fascinated by the bright green color. It looks like
some bizarre Dr. Seuss food (or maybe I'm being influenced by having
read "green eggs and ham" a million times this week).
It's mutant food, I swear!
Ren
Robyn Coburn
<<<"and the leftover broccoflower"
Ooh, ooh! We just tried that two nights ago. Sierra had seen some at
the store and was fascinated by the bright green color. It looks like
some bizarre Dr. Seuss food (or maybe I'm being influenced by having
read "green eggs and ham" a million times this week).
It's mutant food, I swear!>>>>
I've been getting the green for a year, but I was astonished last week to
find a bright orange version! No discernible taste difference.
Robyn L. Coburn
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Ooh, ooh! We just tried that two nights ago. Sierra had seen some at
the store and was fascinated by the bright green color. It looks like
some bizarre Dr. Seuss food (or maybe I'm being influenced by having
read "green eggs and ham" a million times this week).
It's mutant food, I swear!>>>>
I've been getting the green for a year, but I was astonished last week to
find a bright orange version! No discernible taste difference.
Robyn L. Coburn
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.4/175 - Release Date: 11/18/2005