If there's one thing that's taken seriously in our household it's mealtimes. I put a lot of effort into planning our meals and both my husband and I work hard to prepare food, so coming together at the end of each day is a really important time for us all to connect and check in with one another.
In an attempt to thwart unwanted mealtime behavior, I've come up with the Grub Gab Jar.
To see how to work with glass etching, click here. It's really easy!
I cut them out individually and then folded them up. When things start to heat up at dinner, the kids can just grab one to get us going.
Talking around the table in our family serves many functions: it allows the kids to express themselves, it teaches them the art of conversation the give and take of listening versus talking) it distracts them from the foods in front of them that they might not be so enthused about eating, it keeps them physically and mentally at the table, it avoids conflict between siblings who will find something to argue about if left to their own devices.
And Mr. P. can practice his reading!!! Bonus!
If your interested in further reading on the topic, here's a great New York Times article on the importance of table conversation.