NANA SAYS FAMILY DINNERS ARE TOUGH ON CHILDREN

Formal family dinners are tough on children if they are expected to sit quietly at a large table. Not the case at our Thanksgiving dinner. The little 3 year old boys were allowed to come and go while the rest of us ate large portions of food. My husband always has to leave the table early before everyone else is finished. When in our own homes the rules can be our rules. Eventually the little boys will stay at the table and we will have meaningful conversations! Yeah, right! For this Nana, just the joy of having everyone together brought happiness! Little children do not try to act differently because it is a special occasion and the cook has been in the kitchen for hours! They act like little children. Encouraging, offering incentives and having their own spot at the table is paramount. Taking pressure off the parents for having children that act like children is so important. Now if only the Granpa would stay until the end-hum!