Dinner Times

After reading the somewhat controversial (among the Tjeders anyway) Headgates ebook with FAQ  -which I loved-I decided to implement a No Kids Talking at the Dinner Table rule. Well, for some it may seem extreme, but I was amazed at the impact it had on many factors and how great it was. Firstly the kids actually eat more then talk, so we don't have to keep encouraging them to keep eating and they're not sitting around for ages afterwards trying to finish or even leaving the table not yet full  because they're bored from taking so long. It also has an impact on manners and wriggles at the table so we don't have (or less of) sliding around on their chairs, trying to disappear under the table , finding ways to distract or annoy each other. Honestly, sometimes it felt like dinner at the zoo. But this one rule seems to really work wonders.

And then for me, the most beautiful of all results is what its done for my husband and even our relationship. No longer does he come home, tired and distracted only to have kids all clamouring to talk and wriggle around energetically and create a chaotic dinner time. But everything is quiet and calm, he can relax and unwind and him and I can talk uninterrupted. Its great for him and its so amazing for me. I've always loved dinnertimes and held up this ideal of beautifully presented foods, intellectual, genteel conversation, and just a general uplifting family time. In the end what I was getting was a husband who rushed in ate as quickly as he could, with his mind elsewhere unless he was telling kids off, and then leaving the table as soon as finished. I in turn would be left to maintain order, wait for them all to finish and organize all the clean up. My wonderful husband now, lingers at the table and we talk while the kids finish up, it is more calm, relaxed and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you Keri for the inspiration to do this.