When we get his kids (my bonus kids) we always have to work on table manners. So, recently we had them dining by candlelight and listening to Beethovan. At first the four year old blew out the candle and said, "Happy Birthday." We then explained how it's nice to relax and have a dinner with manners. They both ate it up and drank the water like wine. I'm still laughing. Now they ask for candles. Do you ever try this with your kids? I still giggle thinking about them.
That's fun!!! I don't know that it fostered manners, but I remember being a kid and my mom would throw a blanket over the kitchen table and we'd eat under it. It was a crocheted blanket so we could still see and we loved it!!! I suppose it was a time my brothers and I would eat and not fight w/one another. :-)
Yes, we have done this and it is fun.. I love that the 4 year old blew it out!
It is so important for children to learn all of the manners of our society. I bet they love it too.
We also used to take our daughter to "fancy places" and she was always so well behaved. Even took her as "my date" to the Four Seasons New Years Eve 1999 (my husband had to work).. We were guests of a friend who hosted our table. I was proud of her, she had perfect manners and tried everything that was served.. She danced! She still speaks about it.
She was only 9..
Kids actually do love it. I'm reminded of a Valentine's dinner we were giving for the teens and preteens at our church one year. The women were in the kitchen making burgers around 5:15 pm, the kids were setting tables, and the lights went out. The whole surrounding area in the neighborhood was out due to a car accident and a blown transformer, so we proceeded to fix dinner by candlelight. Just as we were serving dinner the lights went on on and all the kids asked if we could keep the lights off for the dinner so they could eat by candlelight, which we did. It was a blast for everyone!
I have not but that's a good one! Think I will try that one :)
We don't but we do insist that we all eat together at the table, which is set, every night, except not dh b/c he works 4 nights/week.
My kids frequently bring up the few days we sat on the floor on cushions with a long coffee table to eat our meals. We had given away an old table and were awaiting delivery on our new (to us) dining set, so instead of eating in the living room on the couch, we ate Japanese style. They loved it!
We're going to have to try the candle and Beethoven thing soon. My kids would totally go for that.
Not for a long time. A really, really long time.
I think it's time to resurrect it!
Yup, every night. We did candles with supper long before they were born and never stopped. We put on music, light a candle, and don't answer the phone. It's a moment of peace. Oh, my kids are 16 and 18 now . No fighting over who gets to blow out the candle, they do it together...
