Making the Most of the Time You Have Around the Table

We've all read or heard the reports about kids who do better and are more successful when they have regular sit down family-style meals. But what happens when that just isn't possible? Between work schedules and activities, it's not always easy to get the whole family around the table for a meal. So when the opportunity arises, we need to make the most of it.

It's a rare opportunity for parents or grandparents to sit and have a conversation with their children. Several studies have shown that on average, parents spend less than 20 minutes a day in actual conversation with their children. There is evidence that most of these conversations are full of interruptions, usually by the person in power. Do we as parents and grandparents really take the time to listen to what our kids are saying? Do we let them finish their thoughts or complaints?

When you gather around the table let it become a time when the whole family can can be heard. You will be amazed at some of the things your children come up with and how interested they will be in what you have to share. It doesn't matter if you're a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, or an uncle. Anytime you take the time to share with a child, memories will be made.

A great way to start conversations is with a few questions. Not the tired old "How was school?" or "What did you learn today?" Try ones that require a little thought. Avoid yes or no questions and try to be specific. Silly questions can be just as informative and help put them at ease. Be subtle, be patient. Listen to what the child is saying and watch their body language and demeanor. Start with simple questions and gradually work towards more sensitive ones.

Make it into a game. Like all games, set some ground rules. Let everyone have a chance to answer the question without being interrupted. If they can't answer right away, come back to them after everyone else has had a turn. If they struggle with finding an answer try asking them why, or help them think of somethings. No eye rolling, and no answer is stupid.

I know you're reading this and thinking that's great for kids when they're younger, but there's no way my tween or teen is going to do this. That's fine. Don't force them. Let everyone else answer the questions. If it's just the two of you, tell them a story about you or someone you both know that can relate to the topic. You'll be surprised at how soon they will join in to add something.

One final piece of advice I see over and over: "Keep talking even when you think your kids aren't listening. Your children are listening, whether they act like it or not."

The following are questions to help get you started.

Questions to ask kids around the dinner table.

What is your favorite messy food?

How does it make you feel when someone is angry with you?

What are your three least favorite things to do?

How can you tell if someone is telling the truth or lying?

Define respect. How do you earn respect? Who should you show respect to?

What is something YOU do that inspires others to be better people?

When are you most frightened? What makes you feel better?

Currently what is your favorite family tradition?

What is the very first thing you can recall from your childhood?

How would you describe each family member to someone using only words or gestures?

What are some things that make you feel stressed or anxious at school, home or work?

What is the goofiest thing about your family? In what ways is this good or bad?

If you could have chosen your own first name what would it be?

What are your three most favorite things to do?

What do you worry about most and why?

What would you put in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years? Why?

What is your favorite story about you when you were younger?

If you could change one thing about your appearance, what would it be and why?

If you could change one thing about your parents what would it be and why?

If you could do any job in the world for one day what would you choose and why?

What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?

What was/is your favorite game to play?

What do you say or do when someone compliments you?

What kind of things hurt your feelings?

What kind of compliment means the most to you?

Define courage. Who is the most courageous person you know?

What is one thing about each of your family members that makes you proud?

If you won the lottery what is the first thing you would do?

What is one of the most important things your parents taught you? Have you practiced
this?

What’s a good attitude? A bad attitude? Who or what determines YOUR attitude?

What is something you would like to accomplish and why?

In what ways are you generous? Could you be more generous?

If you could change one thing to make life easier for your children what would it be?

When do you like being hugged? When are you embarrassed by being hugged? Why?

If you had to be a member of another family you know, which family would it be and
why?

What makes you feel most welcomed when you get home?

What would an ideal allowance be? How would you use it?

What punishment have you been given that you thought was really unfair? Why?

What are the qualities that make a good friend?

What do you think makes a good parent?

SOLD!

Your Secret Kitchen has been sold. There is hope that you will be able to prepare entree again. Not sure when - but keep your ears open! The new owners will let you know.

Entrees are sold...

Our entrees, dips, and sides have been sold. We still have a potential buyer so we will keep you posted. If no buyer we are planning on creating a cookbook. If you have emailed us that you would like a cookbook we DO have you on our list. We will keep you posted on that too.

Thanks for visiting us at Your Secret Kitchen. We enjoyed your company!

Email us at yoursecretkitchen@gmail.com if you want to be on the cookbook list or have any questions.

Freezer Entrees Going Fast

Our last customer meal preparation was last night. We have had a blast these last few weeks with everyone trying to get in to make meals before the end of the month. We still have a few people interested in purchasing the business (asking price is only $40,000 - so it is a great opportunity). So keep your fingers crossed that you will still be able to get delicious entrees from Your Secret Kitchen.

Our freezers were full of entrees at the beginning of this week, and are being purchased daily. If you want to get your delicious entrees before we run out - stop in! We will be open Saturday 9-12, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 12-6 and Thursday 12-6.

We'll keep you posted on entrees available, hours, and news.

Thanks!

One Month Meal Prep Left

Coming in to make your own entrees will be available until October 28th...unless something unforeseen happens! We'll keep you posted. Want us to make your entrees for you? We will do it for a flat fee of $15 instead of the normal $3 per entree fee. Check out our website Calendar for pickup dates. Then in the comment section let us know you would like to receive the discounted pickup price.

Want to own your own business? Your Secret Kitchen is for sale - at a discounted price. Take it to new horizons....it is a fun and rewarding business to own.

Hope to see you soon!

Kids in the Kitchen

Listening to comments from our customers along with watching my own kids - when kids come into the Secret Kitchen to help prepare the entrees - they are more likely to gobble up whatever they made...even if it's something they may have shy'd away from earlier (ie: spinach)! Just a short time left for you to get into the kitchen, and bring your child with you!