Friday, August 27, 2010
Meal Time is Family Time
I want to hear about your day.
I want to know who you played with on the playground and what you did or didn't do in class.
I want to know if you made a new friend or teach you how to introduce yourself.
I want to know if you ate your lunch that I packed and if you chose white or chocolate milk.
I want to know if you thought your teacher really listened to you and what you made on the spelling test.
I want to know if you learned how to multiply, read or color within the lines.
I want to cheer for you when you did something that was really tough - or chide you for taking the easy way out.
I want you to know that your Mother and Father will sit at the ends of the table for as long as they are living because they want to be surrounded by you - filling up with your happiness, sadness and exuberance.
I want to teach you to keep you butt on the seat of your chair and listen when those around you are talking. Not to talk with your mouth full and to eat your veggies.
I want you to respect my table and chairs - keeping your feet off the rungs and your legs under the table.
I want you to know that I care and love you enough to sit through a meal with you. That the substance that you are taking into your body I prepared lovingly for you...which means that yes you will have to try it before declaring it's disgust.
I want you to know that family is important enough to make time for.
I want you to know that your parents hear you.
I want you to know that if you don't help prepare the food you will help clean it up.
I want you to know that I have been there, done that and lived to tell the tale. That you are not alone in your suffering, pain or trials.
I want you to flourish under my watch and watch I will from my place at the table.
I want you to know that meal time is family time.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Well said, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteExcellent. Sounds like you are a great mommy.
ReplyDeleteLoved this! You made Betty tear up!
ReplyDeleteI love this post, it's awesome in every way. My Mom worked nights so we never had this type of dinner atmosphere, but I certainly wished for it. My little guy starts kindergarten next week and I'll surely give him exactly what you described here.
ReplyDeleteWow, I think you got me motivated to be more consistent with everyone at the table! Thanks!
ReplyDelete