Dinnertime for Single Parent Families

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Dinnertime for Single Parent Families

Written by Dawn Carlton

Mom Types - Single Moms

All right, admit it. You whipped up something quick for the kids and didn’t sit down with them for dinner. The laundry needed folding or you had to call your sister back. You either had a bag of chips and leftover Halloween candy or you finished off their plates while no one was looking After all, these kids waste so much darned food! It’s okay, you can confess, because we know your secrets.

Is your kitchen table covered with books, papers, bills, and toys? Your son’s homework? Groceries that still need to be put away? Well, it’s time to clean off that table and use it for its intended purpose: family dinner!

The truth is, single parents really need to sit down and have a kitchen table dinner with the kids as much as possible. This is an opportunity for you to talk to them about their day and spend time together as a family. It’s hard to do night after night but if you make it part of your routine, you will look forward to being with them and enjoying them more.

Single parenting can be very chaotic, and a stable ritual like dinnertime can provide a point in the day for everyone to work together to create a relaxing time before baths and bed. Make it a family project: get some tablecloths and the kids their very own dishes at the dollar store. Let the kids set the table, get everyone’s drinks, or whatever they are old enough to do. Older kids can help with the cooking too!

Make it even more meaningful by emphasizing positive things in each of your children. If you are struggling with one for whatever reason, put this aside and bring up something good that child has done. Encourage each child with praise and create a warm and accepting atmosphere that will make everyone look forward to dinner each night. Include something positive about yourself too! It is important to for kids to know you have your own triumphs in life, even if they are small ones.

For cleanup, if you can, work with one child each evening clearing the table and washing dishes. This will give you one on one time with each of your children during the week. If your other kids can’t be left alone during cleanup time, give each one a task that is age-appropriate, like throwing away napkins or wiping the table down after it’s cleared, and proclaim this table ready for tomorrow night!

They will look back and remember dinner as a special time in their childhood, and more importantly, will be much more likely to do this with their own families.

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Comments

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csofia928 (Editor) 2009-11-07 21:30:06

ah - i totally had this conversation with myself today (yes i talk to myself). I
am not a single parent, but a military wife and when my husband is deployed, i
turn into an honorary single parent. I decided to sit with the boys today - they
are 2 and 3, and was so amazed at how they talk to one anther at the table and
how cute they are when theyre eating. We had a great time eating and laughing.
It is very important to sit down with them. The laundry can wait, but you can't
turn back the hands of time and recreate great moments like these.

I agree

Lena (Author) 2010-02-22 14:45:29

I completely agree. Family dinnertime will not happen unless a parent makes
it a priority, puts everything else on hold, and gives
undivided attention to the kids. There are always other things we
could be doing, but they have to wait.

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