We’ve been making pancakes together on weekends ever since the kids could stand on a chair to reach the griddle. One of my son’s first culinary creations was scrambled eggs, which then evolved to “Special Eggs”. Cooking with your kids has its’ benefits, but just as important, is eating with your kids.

Some families struggle with meal times. They find everyone is hungry at a different time, or not everyone is at home at the same time. If you can’t wait for your spouse to come home, feed the kids part of the meal early, but sit down to eat with them. Later, when you are all together, complete the meal. When my kids couldn’t wait for Dad to come home, I’d open up a can of peas or corn and feed it to them as an “appetizer”. Sometimes we’d eat without Dad, but save the fruit so we would have something to eat while we were all at the dinner table together. The objective is to provide nutritious meals and take the time to eat together.

Other families simply can’t arrange evening meals. Any meal of the day works but Breakfast can be a wonderful opportunity. Studies at Harvard and Tufts universities have shown that kids who eat breakfast behave and perform better in school, than kids who don't eat breakfast. When parents join their children for a meal, you’re showing them that you value eating breakfast, too. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, and you should do what you can to encourage your child to eat something in the morning, even if it's only a piece of fruit.

Is it hectic getting the kids off, and you can't seem to find the time to put anything together? It's easy to settle for Pop Tarts or doughnuts for the kids, but the whole family will benefit from a better breakfast with a little planning. Plan your family's breakfasts the night before so you’re free to concentrate on the tasks of your morning schedule. I make the kids lunches the night before, and even set out the cereal bowls or plates for the breakfast meal. Some dinner foods can become nutritious breakfast foods such as left over pizza or pasta. How about a bowl of chicken noodle soup on a cold morning?

Mealtime is my families’ centerpiece to staying connected and balanced in this over-scheduled world. For inspiration on breakfast or cooking with the kids, visit Aunt Jemima’s site. You will find recipes and testimonials from families of why eating together is special.

Posted by Susan at 10/18/2004 04:56:41 PM | Link