Mum's are under a lot of pressure these days: to work, to stay at home, to be everything to everyone at all times. Is sitting down as a family around the table for an evening meal just another thing to feel pressured to do? As it stands only 20% of British families do this more than once a week!
Is it asking too much of a modern family to try and do this? Have times changed that much that this concept is out-dated? Or is it more essential in these changing times to have that routine and period of time dedicated to being in each others' company, catching up and sharing our lives?
Some other statistics that might be of interest:
Most of us spend just 14 minutes preparing an evening meal
19% of children have trouble using cutlery
What does this tell us about our modern living? By taking less than a quarter of an hour to prepare the family meal, we are really turning food and eating into a functional requirement rather than something to savour and enjoy. Can you imagine the French or Italians spending a similar time on their evening meals? And by comparison, I wonder what percentage of their children aren't able to use cutlery? And in a tangent- how do childhood obesity rates compare?
Would be wrong to assume that the quick 14 minute meals have a higher saturated fat content than meals that are prepared from scratch, with fresh ingredients? I am all for finding meals that I can make quickly but at the same time, they need to be healthy and yummy and I certainly try to have us all sitting at the table together mostly every evening. It's not always possible but I know that those evenings are the most enjoyable and rewarding as a mum- connecting with my family, finding out the details of the day. My little one uses her fork and spoon and has us both there as models on how to do it.
5 Tips to make the evening meal easier:
- make a list of meals for the week: know what you are cooking for at least 4 or 5 meals out of 7
- do a weekly grocery shop that includes the ingredients for these meals: when you go to cook, it's all there in the cupboards ready and waiting
- have a sure: fire activity that will occupy the children at that critical preparation stage
- even better if you can do a little preparation in advance but that is a bonus!
- the colder months are perfect for slow cooking: throw ingredients in a pot and leave for a few hours, sounds perfect!
- bonus tip: all children can help in setting the table too. They are fully capable of laying place mats, cutlery, salt and pepper etc.
It does take some organisation and prior preparation with shopping and ingredients but it is certainly personally worth it and by the looks of it, benefits the development of my lo and cohesion of my family unit.
How do you manage to sit down for evening meals together? Any tips to add to mine? Any great recipes that are quick and easy to prepare?
Please leave your comments here or go to the forum and see what other mothers have to say.
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