You’ve heard reading aloud is critical to your child’s success and you strive to get it in most nights when you can. Sometimes, though, it’s just hard to put in the time. You work long hours, you’re tired, homework went on forever or after-school activities ended late and you just want to skip story time tonight. For all the many reasons why that seems like a good idea, here are five solid reasons in favor of reading aloud consistently (just 10 minutes!) when you need a little motivation.
5 great reasons to read aloud to your child
Modeling fluency skills: Children need to hear adult, skilled readers model what good fluency sounds like when they read aloud so they can copy that sound. A reader is fluent when the words flow together well and are not choppy or slow. The more you can model how the words should flow well together when you read (as well as stopping at periods, pausing at commas, and obeying the other punctuation marks too) the better your child will pick up this skill.
Modeling language and vocabulary:books are amazing for increasing children’s understanding of language and learning new vocabulary words. Even simple children’s books often have a rich vocabulary that is not in our everyday conversation and therefore children do not hear it. In order to know a word, it needs to be used, in context (in the story) and so reading aloud is the perfect way to share new words with children.
Sharing quality time together: In the craziness that is life these days, we often don’t have more than 10 minutes a day of quality time to spend with family members. Reading books aloud together creates this time and allows us to be in the moment with our children, enjoying their company as well as a good story and it also builds memories that will last a long time.
Make a statement: “We value reading.” When we do it together every day, we are telling our children that reading is important in our home, and it’s a habit that is a part of our lives. When we skip days or find too often that we allow other excuses to take the place of reading time, we are sending our children the message that reading takes a back seat to those distractions and that message is powerful.
Relaxation: Reading is a relaxing activity. By choosing to read aloud at night before bed, we are winding down each day in a relaxing way in a way that screens such as cell phones and iPads don’t allow for.
Monica, mom to 11-year-old Zane, says this about reading aloud, “It’s often very easy to slip into a million reasons why we can’t make time at night to read a book together. Once we started allowing ourselves to be distracted, it just got even easier. However, we knew that was not going to help Zane with reading so we promised each other that reading aloud would come first. Since we made it a top priority, we don’t let each other miss our nightly story and Zane’s teacher has told us that his reading has improved in school.”
If you’re finding it hard to get in the time, strive for just 10 minutes a night. This is enough time for a short picture book, or chapter in a simple chapter book, and will ensure you don’t let distractions get in the way of this time together. Then on nights that are less busy, work towards reading for 30 minutes together. I promise it will be one of the best ways you can spend time as a family.
I am passionate about helping families raise children who LOVE to read. I createdInnovative Reading to provide easy activities to moms and dads who have children that dislike reading and that struggle to read. Together we can help your child become a confident and happy reader with only 10 minutes of time a night. (www.InnovativeReading.com)
We’re partial to the fajitas and the baked chicken spaghetti recipes
Busy weeknights don’t have to equal fast food, especially when you own a pressure cooker. From healthy soups to savory tenderloin and spicy fajitas, these recipes and meal prep ideas are all about Instant Pot freezer meals that will take your daily dinners from drab to fab. Get ready to add a ton to your weekly recipe rotation.
Pinch of Yum's wild rice soup is just what the cold weather ordered. It is easy to freeze and even easier to make (try a vegetarian version or add chicken). It's comfort food that packs in veggies, spices and a healthy dose of flavor.
Kid-friendly and packed with pineapple, The Salty Pot's Instant Pot sweet & sour meatballs get dinner on the table in a flash. It's simple to stow all the prepped ingredients into a bag and pull out just in time to add to your pressure cooker.
Happy Money Saver's recipe for shredded beef fajitas will quickly become a family fave. The meaty mixture cooks for 60 minutes in your Instant Pot and needs only a side of tortillas and lime before enjoying.
Hearty and savory, these Instant Pot Unstuffed Peppers from Adventures of a Nurse are a quick one-pot meal. Rice, ground beef and peppers cook straight from the freezer for just four minutes, and dinner is done!
This dump-and-go freezer meal from Meal Plan Addict is great for any time of the year, but especially in cold weather months. Everyone will enjoy this savory dish; you can cook from frozen or pull out the ingredients the night before to thaw in the fridge.
A fave for chilly nights or football games, this Instant Pot chili from Recipes from a Pantry is quick and to the point. Prepped meat and veggies can be thawed overnight and cooked up in just 15 minutes in your IP for a healthy and hearty weeknight meal.
Whether you're a diehard vegetarian or just prepping for a Meatless Monday, this Vegetable Soup recipe from Thriving Home is packed with healthy ingredients no one can resist. Easy to prep, meal planning is a cinch with this tasty dinner. Get the full recipe from Thriving Home.
Great for picky eaters and busy nights, this cheesy taco pasta dish from Bake Me Some Sugar is just what your weeknight ordered. Savory meat, adorable mini shells, cheese and lots of flavorful seasonings make this one-pot dish come together quickly. Just add a salad and dinner is done.
Are you looking for a flavor-packed dinner? Pressure Cooking Today's recipe for Thai chicken thighs is where it's at! Boneless chicken thighs and peanut sauce are just a few flavorful ingredients that can be frozen together then dumped into your pressure cooker. All you need to do is add a few fresh ingredients like green onions and peanuts.
This savory pasta e Fagioli soup from Sparkles to Sprinkles is great for chilly nights. To prep, add all your ingredients except the pasta. When it's time to make dinner, just add in the pasta before cooking.
This chicken Caesar wraps recipe from Foody Schmoody is perfect for a lighter meal. Frozen chicken is quickly cooked and shredded, then combined with yummy Caesar dressing before adding to a tortilla.
The network’s annual event starts Oct. 1 and includes lots of kid-friendly picks as well as scarier options for when the kids are in bed (we see you, A Quiet Place).
Check out the full “31 Nights of Halloween” schedule from Freeform below. With at least two movies a day there are plenty of ways to get your Halloween spirit on all month long! (Note: All times Eastern, unless otherwise noted.)
Week of Oct. 1
Disney
Saturday, Oct. 1
7:00a/6:00c - Edward ScissorHands
9:10a/8:10c - The Witches (1990)
11:20a/10:20c - The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1:25p/10:20c - Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
Get your autumn season off to a great start with these ideas for the most photo-worthy spots that Dallas has to offer for fall
Hot summer temperatures have dipped and families are gearing up for their favorite autumn festivals. With November on the horizon and Halloween around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan all your fall family activities in Dallas. The city offers so many fun things to do, not the least including an eye-popping autumn display at the Dallas Arboretum.From corn mazes to stargazing, there are tons of ideas here to get your family out and exploring this fall.
Gabby Cullen
1. Plan a fall family road trip to nearby Fredericksburg. From hiking to local history and even a kid-friendly winery or two, there's plenty of adventure to be had in Hill Country.
3. Get everyone out to explore some of the beautiful waterfalls that the Dallas area has to offer. The area has more than you'd expect and Prarie Creek tops the list.
4. Head to the Texas State Fair, which should be brimming with fun fall activities in the barns, on the rides, and onstage. It's in town through October 23 so you have plenty of time to get in on the action.
5. Pick the perfect gourd at one of these local pumpkin patches. We know the kids will go wild for the one that offers face painting and shave ice along with Halloween activities.
6. While you are there, run through a corn maze and see how fast you can make it out! YEsterland Farm in Canton, TX opens for the season on Sep. 17 and the whole family will love it.
7. Then snag one of these pumpkin carving templates and go to town! Will your pumpkin be a cowboy or a minion this year?
8. Enjoy the cooling fall weather (and a bit of people watching!) by sitting outdoors at these restaurants with patios. Rockwall's Standard Service has live music while is the perfect excuse to get out there.
9. Build a bonfire and make s'mores. While you can do this anytime, there's something about those chilly nights that really make this a special fall activity. Amp up your s'mores game with these unique takes on the classic treat.
16. Shop your local farmer’s market. Glossy red apples, stew-worthy root veggies, and a cornucopia of squashes are waiting for you at your local farmer’s market in autumn. Get yours before the markets go on hiatus for the winter.
17. Spend a day at the Dallas Zoo. This 106-acre spot is the oldest zoo in Texas and full of fall activities with its family programs, giraffe feeding, reptile house, and so much more. You might have to come back for another day!
18. It's a crime to miss the fall season at the Dallas Arboretum. Autumn is arguably the best season there with autumnal flowers, gourds, and pumpkins all over the place.
20. Enjoy autumn views from the top of the Reunion Tower. This iconic building offers a 360-degree perspective of Dallas and its surrounding areas from a glassed-in open-air observation deck.
Sometimes just the thought of prepping dinner for your entire family can be exhausting. Even the thought of doing dishes after prepping a pre-made meal is too much. After a day of drop-offs, pick-ups, play time, and general kiddo chaos, going out and treating yourself to a nice meal out can seem more like a dream than a reality. Will the kids enjoy their meal? Will they refuse to eat what’s in front of them? Will you spend more time stressing about the bill than actually enjoying your time together? Put your worries away. We’ve compiled your go-to guide of all the Portland area restaurants where kids eat free (yep, you read that right), or can get meals so cheap they feel like they’re free. So what are you waiting for? Indulge yourself and enjoy at one of these local favorites or family-friendly chains tonight.
Looking for an interactive dining experience your kids will be talking about for days? Kingkong offers an authentic Korean BBQ experience everyone will enjoy. Served family style, you can grill your meal right at your table. It’s tasty fun for everyone.
The Deal: Kids under four eat free daily. Kids ages 4-8 years are half price (only on all you can eat options).
Choose your meats and veggies at the buffet, add as many ingredients as you’d like, then watch the restaurant’s talented cooks roast everything together for a truly yummy lunch or dinner.
The Deal: Kids under four eat free with a paid adult. Offered daily.
Head on over to the Evergreen State to enjoy mouth-watering ribs and a whole lot more (seriously, their menu is huge). Kids four and under get a one piece chicken and fries meal on the house at this Vancouver family hotspot! Nope, we’re not ribbing ya, this is a real deal!
The Deal: Kids under four can receive a one piece chicken and fries meal on the house. Dine-in only. Offered daily.
14415 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Unit 117B
Vancouver, WA Online:ribcity.com
Head to Pepino’s Mexican Grill on Tuesday nights for fresh, healthy Mexican food that everyone can agree on. This family-run business has been dishing up traditional faves for more than 20 years and continues to make customers smile on the reg.
The Deal: Kids 12 and under can choose between free bean and cheese burrito or a flour quesadilla with a side of rice, pinto beans, chips, and a 12 oz. beverage.
This Pacific Northwest institution has been serving up comfort food and delicious pies since 1978 so they definitely know what they’re doing. Plus, kids eat free every Tuesday whether you’re dining in, picking up, or getting delivery.
Insider Tip: Have a craving for something sweet? Come in on a Wednesday and receive a free slice of their famous pie when you order an entree or family meal.
The Deal: One free kids meal with any dine-in or Sharis.com order all-day on Tuesdays.
With locations in North Portland, Tigard, and Newberg, 48 North Pizzera is the perfect way to end a busy weekend with a bang. Their custom pizzas and delicious wings will have the adults salivating, while kids 10 and under enjoy their free cheese or pepperoni pizzas. Plus, they have vegan and gluten-free options available.
The Deal: Kids eat free all day on Sundays. Kids under 10 can get a cheese or pepperoni kid’s pizza. Please note there is a limit of one pizza per kid, and requires the purchase of any regular-priced pizza.
This national barbecue chain prides itself on its quality meats and its commitment to family fun. Everyone—from your pickiest eater to your hungriest little one—will find something to satisfy their appetite at Dickey’s.
The Deal: Kids 12 and under eat free all day on Sundays with the minimum of a $12 purchase. Please note this offer is available at participating Dickey’s locations only (please call ahead to verify) and is not valid with any other coupons, offers, discounts, or promotions.
Locations: Portland, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro & Beaverton Online:dickeys.com
Why not try out this Portland favorite? This casual dining spot gives off relaxed vibes and the para ninos menu prices can’t be beat. Enjoy a much deserved margarita (happy hour is Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.) while the kids feast on the bean and rice bowl ($3.50) or a bean and cheese taco ($2.50).
The kids menu might be limited but the portions are huge. The kids bowl comes with a generous serving of green rice, beans, lettuce, and fresh avocado. It’s so big your kids can split it or take home the leftovers for lunch the next day. Even better? The whole thing costs a cool $4.
New Year’s Eve hits different when you’re a mom. We may not be able to stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve to party and watch the ball drop, but we are serious about keeping our New Year’s resolutions. Here are five #newmom resolutions for the new year—and clutch advice to help you stick to those goals.
iStock
1. The Resolution: Be Present Spending hours scrolling mindlessly through your social media is so last year. Be more present with the tiny people who need you and adore you. Put down your phone and play peekaboo, blow raspberries, talk and coo to your baby, and play games with the older kids. You will catch all sorts of firsts and milestones, as well as smiles and giggles.
How to Make It Happen: Worried the electronic force is too strong? Allow yourself phone check-in points throughout the day, but only after you've spent quality time with your little one(s). Set a timer for each scrolling sesh to keep yourself from getting sucked into the Internet too deep. Also, make use of your phone's do-not-disturb feature to silence notifications so you won't get distracted.
2. The Resolution: Get Enough Sleep Getting enough rest (is that even a thing?) is crucial for physical and mental health, especially when you're a new mom. But how? And when? Sleep when the baby sleeps, we're told. Easy to say but tough to do.
How to Make It Happen: As the primary life source for a tiny human, the idea of getting 8 hours of sleep every night probably sounds like a crazy dream. (If you slept long enough to have dreams, that is.) When babies are little, it's important to go for quality over quantity. Create a space that's conducive to rest, just as you've done for your baby: Invest in blackout curtains; keep your room a comfortable temperature (60-67 is optimal); spritz sheets with lavender linen spray; and, most importantly, make your phone off-limits at least two hours before bedtime. Use that phone-free time to wind down—brew a cup of caffeine-free tea, catch up on a favorite book, or soak in the tub.
3. The Resolution: Leave the House Alone It’s easy to turn into a mama kangaroo and keep that little one attached to you 24/7. But absence can make your mother’s heart grow fonder—and give you a chance to feel like a human again, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. One night a month (or whatever schedule works for your life), plan to slip on something pretty, head out with your partner or friends, and linger over dinner and drinks.
How to Make It Happen: Book a sitter for a standing Saturday night once a month for the rest of the year. Or take turns with your partner so you can each go out with friends. Scheduling in advance will help you stick to your resolution, especially on those nights when you feel like crawling into your pajamas and collapsing onto the couch. (Don’t worry: You can do that all the other nights of the month.)
4. The Resolution: Shower Every Day You know that amazing just-stepped-out-of-the-shower feeling of clean? The one you felt a few days ago? How amazing would life be if you could experience the renewing power of a hot shower every single day? (Answer: Pretty darn amazing.)
How to Make It Happen: Make your baby part of the act by pulling a bouncy seat or exersaucer into the bathroom or laying out a cushy baby blanket on the floor with a few toys. If baby starts to fuss, sing your baby's favorite songs to keep your little one entertained and scrub on.
5. The Resolution: Treat Yourself Right Self-care. We hear it all the time for good reason: You need to love yourself well so you can love those around you well, including your tiny human. If you're going to keep one resolution this year, make it this one.
How to Make It Happen: Expand your definition of self-care. Sure, it can mean indulging in candle-lit bubble baths and chocolate, but real self-care includes opting for carrot sticks instead of potato chips, going to sleep instead of staying up too late watching TV, or doing that 20-minute workout when you’d so much rather chill with a cup of coffee. Those are the little changes that will help you be the best mom and the best you all year long.
Get ready to check off one item on your holiday to-do list! Our helpful elves scrolled through all of the awesome holiday card designs at Minted, Artifact Uprising and Shutterfly and picked out 15 of their favorites to help you pare down your selections. They found photo Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards, holiday birth announcements and a bunch of cards for those of you ready to celebrate the end of 2021 with a Happy New Year card instead. Snap your family photo and get these ordered!
Have you forgiven yourself? Yes, you read that correctly. Have you forgiven yourself? We are human beings, and we make mistakes. Somehow or another, parent status is synonymous with perfection. We expect it from others, especially now in the digital age, and we expect it from ourselves. We portray images online and cry in private. I am just 13 days away from entering my 30th year of parenting and I can tell you that perfect is not how I would describe those years. They were perfectly broken. They were perfectly difficult. They were perfectly dysfunctional. I think you are starting to understand.
My oldest daughter, who will be 29 in a couple of weeks, has chosen to not talk to me or her sisters for a year and a half now. Mental health issues have been a steady theme in our lives. By the time I found out that I was pregnant with her, I had thought about suicide more times than I care to count, had taken drugs, had drank until I puked, had stayed out all night, had slept with too many guys, flunked out of my freshman year of college, and the list of poor choices goes on. I was looking for validation. I needed someone to make me feel like I was okay. I needed to feel like my presence mattered. I thought having my daughter would change things. I thought that she would give me everything I was looking for. I was scared as hell, but in my young mind I couldn’t come to any other decision but to continue with the pregnancy.
They say that hindsight is 20/20 but even now I don’t think I know what the right choice was. Perhaps keeping her helped me stay away from some damaging behaviors but not all of them. I continued to use alcohol for many years. I went out at nights trying to find fun and excitement. I had men in and out of my life. I failed at getting my college degree. I quit jobs when things got hard or I didn’t know how to resolve issues. I have thought about the alternatives. But there is not another person that could love her more than I did and do. However, I was broken. Right now, I am, at best, refurbished.
I think about those years more than you could even imagine that I do. I could never find peace and admonished myself many nights in the dark when I was trying to sleep. Once my daughter became an adult, she seemed to get more adjusted as time went on. She was finding her stride and told me thank you many times. I mentioned several times that I was happy that she still loved me. I would tell her this because it was truly how I felt, and I knew that if she could still love me after everything I put her through that maybe I could find a way to forgive myself. In the last few years, I started to allow myself to heal and forgive myself for everything: the poor choices, the yelling, the lack of guidance, the physical punishments, etc. Everything changed this year when you spoke about your recent diagnoses. That telephone conversation brought everything back and the doubt and self-punishment crept back in. This was closely followed by another conversation where you asked me questions that I knew would come someday. Questions that could have been asked a dozen times over the last ten years.
It is impossible for us to do better until we know better. It really wasn’t until a few years ago that my mind started to get better. I took control of my depression and anxiety. I started walking every day and allowing myself to get in my thoughts and resolve how I felt about my life. I started to lose weight and gain a smile. I started to get more active in my community. I joined the booster club associated with my daughter’s basketball team, made friends, and eventually started to feel like a good person. This was a stark difference to all the parenting years beforehand. I was never involved. I didn’t go to school events and, most of the time, would try to talk my kids out of taking part in things that would require me doing so. My oldest daughter had ADHD and that, combined with my own mental health issues, just made it nearly impossible for me to be an active parent. I was always exhausted, sad, and angry.
And part of the process of knowing better and moving forward is the process of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a process and is never over. We will, most likely, need to continue forgiving ourselves for years to come. I know that I am. Allow yourself to go down the road of forgiveness and you will find yourself in the glorious world of the chaotic perfection that is parenting. I ask you again, have you forgiven yourself?
I am a single mom of three beautiful daughters ages 29, 20, and 15. At 50, I am recently divorced and making a career change. I'm trying to put my BA and my MA to use finally! My life hasn't always been easy but I feel good about the future!
Whether you’re a busy parent with lots of activities on your plate or a teen with your own school schedule to think about, back-to-school season has definitely kicked everyone’s organizational skills into high gear once more. School nights may begin to feel hectic again—between the homework, planning for the next day, and trying to fit some rest in there somewhere.
However, you can form a regimen that gets these priorities down pat. Here are a few tips you can use to simplify your school nights so they run as smoothly as possible.
1. Establish Your Own Bedtime Routine
Having a bedtime routine can be more helpful than you think—especially when that routine includes an actual bedtime. Having a bedtime, no matter how old you are, can help you fall asleep faster and easier so you can get enough sleep each night. That means even after you tuck the kiddos in for the night, you might need your own bedtime and wind-down routine.
2. No Caffeine After School
This one might be a little tough to get used to at first, but it goes hand in hand with getting a good night’s rest. Although caffeine can be a great study aid and pick-me-up, having caffeine after 2:00 p.m. can make it more difficult to get to sleep come nightfall. It’s best to leave the coffee for the morning and stick to non-caffeinated beverages after school.
3. Make Lunches Ahead of Time
Part of simplifying your school nights is prepping for the morning so you don’t need to wake up at a ridiculous hour to be ready for the day ahead. One of the best ways to do this is to pack a lunch ahead of time so you can refrigerate it and grab it to go when the morning comes. This can also make it much easier to create nutritious, balanced dishes with protein, fruits, and vegetables.
4. Tackle Homework First Thing
Doing homework after a long day of school can sometimes feel like the biggest task in the world, but the task can feel even more looming when you leave it for the end of the night. If possible, it can be a great idea to use the momentum from the school day to tackle homework first thing so you have the rest of the night to enjoy family time. If your kiddos are still at the age where you need to help them with homework, you can encourage this even more as a habit they can take with them as they grow.
5. Pick Out the Next Day’s Clothes
Much like packing lunch the night before, picking your outfits and the kids’ outfits before bed can simplify the morning. In fact, it’s actually said to help you make more informed decisions when you choose your clothing at this time of day. This removes a step from your morning routine and helps the a.m. go more smoothly.
6. Leave the Shower for the Morning
You might be asking yourself, what can you leave out from your nighttime routine and actually let go for the morning? Well, your daily shower is definitely one of those things! Plenty of people shower in the morning, and it can even help you feel a bit more refreshed and awake. Even if you leave showering or bathtime for the kiddos at night, you can leave your showers for the morning to cut down on tasks for school nights.
7. Mimic Your Schedule on Weekends If Possible
Although the weekends are for fun and relaxation, it can never hurt to stick to a routine that works for you. Especially when it comes to things like bedtimes and evening routines, letting your kids go wild on the weekends can lead to difficult adjustments back on Monday. Try going with a relaxed but still reasonable schedule for weekends so your kids don’t get too thrown off their sleeping routines.
8. Give Yourself Some Downtime
No matter how many activities you can manage to pack into your evening routine, one of the most important things to give yourself, your kiddos, and your family is some downtime. Everyone needs rest, and if you’re looking to bring simplicity to your school nights, look no further than giving yourself a bit of downtime you all could enjoy. Bonus points if you can put the screens away and relax tech-free!
School nights don’t have to be stressful. In fact, when you get into a routine that you like and take the time to relax that you and your family deserve, you can create a great experience that lasts the whole school year and beyond.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
Family mealtime may feel like madness sometimes. In modern times, families are busier. The kids are in more activities, and parents work long hours. Preparing and sharing a family meal takes time, but it’s worth it to sit down together at least a few times each week to enjoy eating together.
Meals are great times to talk with your children and model behavior surrounding food and manners at a table. Your children can also learn about appropriate eating habits and even family traditions around the dinner table. Families who eat together often eat better, and you want to make this time enjoyable.
If your family mealtimes feel rushed, chaotic, or you just can’t appreciate them, here is how you can enjoy family mealtime more with these six tips.
1. Set Aside Specific Meal Times
Keep your breakfast, lunch and dinner times at a regular time every day. Put them in your schedule or on your calendar, too. When there is a regular time for everything, more family members are likely to show up.
Plus, specific mealtimes can help minimize snacking between meals, so your children will be hungry when they sit down at the table. Of course, not everyone will make it to these meals every day, but they know when they can count on dinner to be ready.
2. Involve Your Kids in Preparing Meals
Gett your kids involved in preparing for family meals—it can significantly help with fussy eaters. They can help choose what goes into a meal, making them more prone to eat it once it’s ready. This also can encourage them to try new foods, like nutritious leafy greens, whole grains and new proteins.
Older kids can help cook or find new recipes for the family to enjoy. When you all sit down to eat, they can be proud that they helped with the meal and will enjoy eating it, too.
3. Catch Up during Family Meals
Use family mealtimes to catch up on everyone’s lives and talk to one another. It’s a great way to keep up with what everyone is doing in their busy lives. Have everyone take turns sharing something good and bad about their days.
Older children and teenagers may have an easier time communicating with everyone. Younger children who can’t form sentences may get frustrated, so ease their frustration by asking them yes or no questions about their day. This will make mealtime a social time and enjoyable.
4. Allow More Time for Meals
Do you feel like you can’t enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner because it’s rushed? Try extending your time for meals. Many parents and families don’t take enough time to sit down and eat. The rush can get everyone overly anxious, especially if you have somewhere to be after eating.
Give you and your kids at least 15 minutes to eat. Children often take longer to eat since they’re developing and have smaller mouths! Providing that extra time also gives them a chance to try new foods. It’s a great time to establish good eating habits, too.
5. Meal Prep for Busier Nights
Meal prepping takes a little bit of extra work one day every week, but it makes the rest of the week so much easier to handle since you won’t have to worry about cooking meals every day. When you meal prep, you prepare your meals ahead of time or at least part of the meals ahead of time so you can spend less time cooking and more time sitting down to enjoy a meal.
You don’t have to meal prep for every day of the week. Focus on prepping for your busier nights, like when you have to work later or when the kids have after-school activities. This also helps you make healthier choices because you have food ready to eat at home rather than stopping at a fast-food restaurant.
6. Get Creative
When you have a little bit of extra time, explore creative ways to make mealtime more fun and engaging for your family. Planning for a fun breakfast or dinner can give the family something to look forward to, making mealtime more enjoyable for everyone. Below are some creative ways to make mealtime more interesting:
Make breakfast for dinner and let the kids choose toppings for their pancakes or waffles.
Create a build-your-own pizza station where everyone gets their own personalized pizza.
Use a theme for mealtime, like foods from different countries or the kids’ favorite Disney movie.
Have a mid-day picnic in the park or your backyard.
Invite a friend or family member over for a meal.
Host a dinner and a show where you watch a movie during mealtime.
Breaking up the mundane mealtime schedule with fun events like these can help keep your kids interested, and mealtime will be fun!
With these tips, you can enjoy family mealtimes even more. You and your kids will begin to look forward to times you can spend together around the table.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
