I remember a time several years ago when a popular phrase was "quality time" - with our children, spouses, family, etc. Well, all of our time is "quality time" today. We cannot schedule time with our families like it's on our todo list! My Grandma was my hero growing up. She never took me to an amusement park, she never took me shopping, the biggest treat she ever gave me was a piece of "juicy fruit gum" (which I did not like the taste of), but Grandma gave me 100% of her time. We sat at the table together for meals, we stood at the sink or the stove together as she prepared them, we sat in her living room together as she read, we picked vegetables in the garden together, we hung clothes on a clothes line, plucked chickens, made soap, darned socks, made apple butter, canned tomatoes, and washed clothes with a wringer washer!
So what is my point? We did what Grandma needed to do and she always included me. This is where we all need to be. A mindset that what we do isn't easier without our children. An attitude that says, it will take a little longer but I have to do it anyway and I want to spend more time with my children. This week I would like to encourage you to bring your children into your daily tasks.
One of the best ways to spend time with your family is in the kitchen. There is always work to be done as we prepare food for our family and we don't always have to be the martyr. Kids don't need to play video games or watch TV while we are laboring over a hot stove! We are all interdependent and therefore need each other; this includes our children. They can easily help with meal preparation, setting the table, cleaning up the mess, whatever you do with regard to meals. I think that it's fun to include them in every process of life.
Additionally children need to learn some basic domestic skills. I sometimes wonder if we are raising a generation of kids that think parents will meet every need in their lives forever! How will they learn if we don't teach them.
Find some fun foods to prepare together. Watch a cooking show and then decide on new and more creative ways to cook and eat. Pick one day every week for a family cooking night. They will love this time. They will remember it, they will want to spend more time with you. Remember they will also be learning a life skill.
Homemade pizza is a fun family activity. Kids love to roll out dough and shape it into the pan. The MealEssence.com recipe data base has a favorite called Chicago Style Pizza. Add it to your shopping list and make it this week. Take pictures, invite friends, enjoy your "quality time" together! We did!
