The Art of Fine Dining

I thought I would send this out so you understand why your child may want to help set the table for dinner. Or perhaps they want to know where the table cloth and napkins are kept? The children at mt know where all our table setting items are kept and they will be on a regular basis setting the tables for lunch. Some children have be doing it for a while now but all children will be getting a turn. I have held off because I wanted to establish the routine of the morning ending and our circle time plus we have had the addition of music with Ms. Susanne and I would never disturb that. Now that everyone is comfortable we will have regular table setting as part of our daily routine again.

Recently we discussed the importance of Order at book club and why children crave and need it. I suggested that some may want to set up their kitchen to make it more accessible to their child and have them help with the process of getting ready for the evening meal. Moving things to lower cupboards and having your child set the table for dinner or help with the washing of vegetables or dishes (i know water every where but you will have a really clean floor after you and your child mop it up). Children have a natural desire to help and feel a sense of accomplishment. So nurture and allow it. It may just turn your dinner time into a really lovely new ritual. When my son was small we use to eat by candle light and with that came very soft voices and lots of talking about our day during dinner. We always had napkins and some times place mats instead of table cloths and flowers. We all looked forward to that time every day. Now we have another ritual of sharing a pot of peppermint tea every evening before bed and we talk about our day. I need to dig out the candles and get back to my old ways for dinner though and you should too!

Recently I found children's sized stainless steel cutlery. I didn't even know it existed and that it could be purchased fairly inexpensively. The cutlery was purchased at Stokes and they also carry it at Cuisina Moderna (just ask for it) it really does make a difference in your child's hands and it is important to know how to use a knife and cut your own food. The table cloths and napkins were made by me and another mom at the school from recycled thrift store sheets. We did try candles but it made for some tricky moments with long hair! I am sure you can well imagine so we just go with the flower arrangement Ms. Wendy makes with the children. Bon Appetit!