Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Works For Me Wednesday
Reading at the dinner table. Tired of the Dinner Drama?I am not sure what your dinner table is like. Mine? Utter Chaos. I always have at least 2 people talking, 1 screaming, 1 crying and someone one making bodily noises that have no place at the table. I have always wanted this to be a time to catch up as a family. To hear about my kid's day at school. For a while we were able to do this. We got to hear who brought snack to school...who got to be the leader...who got in trouble or a star stamp. I am not sure what happened to turn dinner into a feeding frenzy of bad behavior but I have had enough of it.
I took a stand tonight in a sneaky way. I took a library book to the dinner table with tonight. I got everyone's plate ready then starting reading. I read one page, then passed the book to my 7 year old and asked him to read a page, then he passed to Greg, then on to our almost 9 year old. It was such a change!! They were quiet and respectful. They were helping each other out with the harder words and were being encouraging. I was so happy when dinner was over -- not because it was over but because we got through with it without one person raising their voice or getting out of their chair or fighting!! We did still have some bodily noises...but I think that this is something that I am going to have to get used to with 3 boys under the age of 8!
Do you have any tips or tricks on how to get through dinner without all the fuss and fight?
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Seriously. No idea, dinner is pretty calm here with just the toddler at the table... oh wait I dont have a table. Yeah I have a bar, and the highchair LOL soon to be two highchairs... I need a bigger house. Anyway no ideas but sounds like you came up with a good one. Yeah and goodluck with those bodily noises. LOL
ReplyDeletegreat idea!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great idea. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great idea! I don't have kids nor have I had dinner at a table with youngin's like that in a while. If I think of anything I'll pass it your way!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to keep things under control and enjoyable for everyone. =)
ReplyDeleteI cannot stand chaos at the dinner table. I have no real suggestions to offer. My house was like that growing up...lots of loud talking, screaming, interruptions, etc.
ReplyDeleteNow my hubby and I are totally different in our household atmosphere. It is quiet (he is quiet) and mellow and everyone follows suit.