Children are very restless by nature, they like to run and have fun around the family. This can sometimes cause parents to feel some anxiety when they cannot control them and even lose their temper. But children are children, and as such, they must be allowed to grow up enjoying their childhood. Of course, they will need rules and limits, but always based on respect for children and flexibility in the rules. But what happens when you have to go to a family dinner? Should children be tied to a chair?
No way. Children are children and should behave as such. Do not expect your children to behave like an adult, because if they did, then something is wrong.
A child who is unhappy and upset and sits idle and apathetic too long, may even be a sign that he is getting sick or that a cold is on the way. For this reason, the more energy they have, the better, as they will show that they are happy.
Go to a family dinner
When you go to a family dinner or a meal where there are many guests, for children that means a party. But of course, there are times when they must be seated to eat or simply to calm down from so much family excitement. Seeing cousins or uncles that they haven't seen for a long time is always a reason for happiness and euphoria.
It is necessary to take into account that there will also be times when if children get bored they may want to attract attention, and if adults are distracted by 'grown-up things', then there will come a time when the behavior of the little ones goes to a state disruptive. In this sense, it is important that parents have a few tricks up their sleeve in order to entertain the children and that these, enjoy the family dinner just like the rest.
If you think that you lack ideas to train your children and that it can become a family problem when they start to get bored, put the brakes on. Because below we are going to give you some ideas so that everyone can enjoy a family dinner, both young and old.
Ideas for entertaining children at family dinners
Remember that although we are talking about family dinners, they can also be family meals or family gatherings. Any event in which children can get bored will be a good time to put these ideas into action. You can keep them in mind to apply them as we explain them to you or to find inspiration and adapt these ideas to the needs and interests of your children.
Think about distractions
There are those who think that children when they are 5 years old can already be calm to sit for a whole meal, and it is true. But they also need a little extra help to stay calm all the time, as they are naturally impulsive. In this sense, it is necessary to take into account some quiet activities in case they start to get restless.
One idea is to bring books and colors so you can paint on the table and take them out whenever boredom appears. You will boost creativity and they will feel good and more relaxed when they finish painting.
Use rewards for good behavior
Don't worry about using the rewards from time to time as small bribes. This is not going to spoil them and also sometimes they will help you control their little impulses. You can think of a small prize or a reward if they are well behaved throughout the family dinner. If you sit politely and eat quietly, you can give him a reward at the end of the family dinner. They will be motivated and delighted!
Make the table fun
For example, putting your teenager at the table with the little ones will help you keep things under control and your teenager will feel useful during dinner. And young children will have a person to play with and who can put order until you arrive if necessary. Even your teenager can be tipped for babysitting at the family dinner and he will not feel that being with the little ones is a kind of punishment for him, it will be like a little family job! All happy.
Tell the kids to do something special
When you are at home teach your children some magic tricks, and so when you are at the family dinner they can teach it to the rest of the guests. Kids love being the center of attention And that's a great incentive to stay seated at the table. You can invite them to be creative, to tell a joke, a horror story, to tell a school anecdote, etc.
Children can also participate
Children love to feel older than they are, so giving them responsibilities is always a good idea. Get them to participate in the family dinner by telling them things they can do. For example, tell them to help you set and clear the table with tasks that they can do such as carrying the bread, the plastic cups, picking up the dishes ... Older children can serve drinks, help put snacks on the table, etc.
The important thing is that when it is a family dinner, everyone can enjoy it to the fullest. It does not consist of going out with the children and that they have to be seated and quiet just for the adults to enjoy, far from it. Children are also part of the family and have the same right as you to have fun, the only thing that as children they need a little guidance and help at first. Over time, you will realize that little by little, they will begin to train alone and enjoy family dinners with everyone. From now on, a family dinner will be the perfect excuse to have a good time together.