Sitting together at the dinner table can be a great opportunity for discovering what is on a child’s mind. In an attempt to give everyone a chance to share about their day, I often pose a question, such as, “What was the best part of school today?” Thinking they are witty, I often get remarks from the twelve and the nine year old revealing how absurd they think that question is. They begin with single word answers like, “lunch, recess, or nothing.” Sometimes they start out with a two or three word answers such as, “coming home, playing with friends.” The three year old toddler, who is never at loss for words when she is at home, quickly turns things around by sharing what she made at pre-school. The other two soon start competing for time to share their news of the day. Although sometimes I feel like a referee, constantly reminding them not to interrupt the others, I am so grateful when they open up and share.
News of the day is not the only interesting thing that is shared at the dinner table. Sometimes questions that are hard to answer are brought up, especially by a three year old who is still discovering basic things in life. Recently, as I served chicken to the children, asking them if they wanted a leg, breast, etc., the toddler piped up that she wanted the head. Laughter from the others ensued as I explained that we don’t eat chicken heads. “Why not?” she questioned. The pre-teen stated the obvious. “Because it’s gross!” “There’s not much meat on the head,” I answered, trying not to visualize my meal as a live chicken. The grandson wanted to share his amusement and started making clucking noises.
Grandchildren are delightful!
News of the day is not the only interesting thing that is shared at the dinner table. Sometimes questions that are hard to answer are brought up, especially by a three year old who is still discovering basic things in life. Recently, as I served chicken to the children, asking them if they wanted a leg, breast, etc., the toddler piped up that she wanted the head. Laughter from the others ensued as I explained that we don’t eat chicken heads. “Why not?” she questioned. The pre-teen stated the obvious. “Because it’s gross!” “There’s not much meat on the head,” I answered, trying not to visualize my meal as a live chicken. The grandson wanted to share his amusement and started making clucking noises.
Grandchildren are delightful!
"May the LORD bless you ... all the days of your life; and may you live to see your children's children." Psalm 128:5-6
No comments:
Post a Comment