Meal time can be a very lively time of the day. Getting everyone seated and ready to eat at the same time, is another challenge. Creating simple meal time routines can help you move from food prep, to enjoying the meal at the table with your family, to cleaning up without as many challenges.
Meal Time Routine
Your meal time routine will consist of food prep, setting the table, meal time, and clean up afterwards.
In Kim Brenneman’s book, Home Management Plain and Simple, she states
A great meal time starts at the end of the previous meal.
I find this to be spot on.
It’s nice to be able to flow from one meal task to another without having to stop and clean up from the previous meal time. Also, how annoying to walk back into your kitchen and be reminded of the chores still looming to be done.
Having your table already cleaned off, also opens that space for other tasks or fun activities to be done.
Following simple meal time routines can also help teach watching children discipline. They are always watching and learning from us. My children have learned from just watching me, that after our meal is done, we put our plates and silverware in the sink, and cups (if unfinished) on the counter or in the fridge.
Food Prep
If you implement meal planning, you should have all you need to cook your meal. More on meal planning here.
Prepare your food as you always do but, now maybe add in rinsing off the dishes you’ve dirtied along the way. It’s amazing how fast some food gets stuck on the dishes.
Throw them in the dishwasher (if you have one), or set aside to wash with the other dishes after meal time.
Prepare the Table
Get the table ready for your family to eat. Set out plates, drinks, and silverware.
You can also take the time to make your meal feel special, by adding a few “fancy” details.
Maybe add a candle or two, put prepared food in serving dishes, or a vase with some flowers. Doing something simple can bring a simple added beauty to meal time. But also not a necessity.
Meal Time
After everyone has their plate, enjoy your meal as a family.
Eat slowly and enjoy your food. Engage in conversation with your family the encourages good communication. Discuss daily activities, projects, or anything exciting going on that’s worth sharing.
Try to keep everyone at the table till meal time in done. With small children I know this can be challenge sometimes as they’re ready to move on to the next thing.
After meal time, it’s time for clean up.
Clean Up
Start cleaning up immediately after meal time is finished.
Carry the dishes to the sink and rinse them off if needed. Then load them in the dishwasher if you have one, or fill the sink for washing.
Clean off table of any trash and proceed to wipe down the table and chairs.
Put away any leftovers and add remaining dishes to the stack. Next wash the dishes. Now you can either dry your dishes or leave them to air dry over night (if you don’t have a dishwasher).
Wipe down the counters and finish with any sweeping if necessary.
You can incorporate simple meal time routines for every meal time you have in your home. Keep it simple and easy, and meal time with be a breeze!
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