Our kids are comfortable in our kitchen. They are self-sufficient and they know how to whip up a quick snack or lunch for them and their friends. After swimming for hours, they are especially hungry.
Taking it a step further, we encourage our kids to be mindful of one another. I’m always reminding them to think of their guests first. Are they hungry? Is their bed made up? What movie do they want to watch? Are they comfortable? What activity do they want to do?
Our kids can be so self-centered, so it takes work and discipline and for Paul and me to be good role models in teaching them how to be hospitable toward their friends.I am a very busy mother and I don’t always have time to “wait on” my kids. I want them to learn to think and act independently, even when it comes to simple things as chores, cooking, and how they treat their friends.
Last night, Abby made a couple of peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches. I chuckled as I saw her preparing these for her friend, Erin. Not only did she spread it on thick, she pulled out the Cut-N-Seal kitchen tool that makes crust-free pocket sandwiches.It was so enjoyable to watch my 10-year old get into cooking and waiting on her friend, as I forgot I even had this tool in my drawer.
Erin’s eyes got big, like it was the coolest sandwich she had ever seen.
Our kids aren’t perfect, by any means, but as I listen to them and watch their interactions with their friends, I am concluding that they are learning how to be good hosts.
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Abby and her friend Alyse were bored yesterday. I gave them a project to work on for our dinner party last night. They made dessert menus on the computer, personalizing them with their artwork.
After our dinner they took orders from our guests, then came back into the kitchen to make up each order. It worked like a charm! They had a blast; the adults had fun and guess which item on the menu was the most popular? (click on the menu to make it larger)The kitchen tool is made by Pampered Chef!
14 comments:
Hmm. As I *love* ice cream, that would be a tough choice for m. But I have to go with the mint chip ;-)
I love the sandwiches! Where did you find such a tool??
What an incredible thing you are teaching your children, to be selfless instead of "me! me! me!" all the time like most of our young kids today that want instant gratification.
By the way, we just had some new neighbors move in across the street. Tonight I made a chocolate cream pie and will take it to them tomorrow. I thought of you...it's my small step towards hospitality!!! I will post pictures tomorrow!
Much love!
Tracey
Oh how fun! How clever of the girls to make such a great menu and to get involved. I too love to get my kids involved, my daughter especially enjoys doing stuff like that as well.
I think I'd like to try Caramel Pretzel, I've never heard of that one!
Laura
What a fun evening, Sandy! Your DD & her friend are too cute. I love that dessert menu. I bet the Coughlin Coffee Freeze was the most popular, right? Sounds delish! You're a great mama.
Rhoda
Southern Hospitality
Hi Sandy, I hope you don't mind but I have tagged you for a meme. :-)
I'm working with my children to also be better host's when their friends are here.
We'll get another good practice this week as we are helping some people out. We'll have "sleep over's" both Thurs (3 additional children) and Fri (1 additional child) night this week. All this after I work all day Thursday.
What a good reminder this post is for all of us!! :-)
And as for the favorite dessert... I'm not sure what others chose, but I'll have a Coughlin Coffee Freeze please!
Are you going to tell us what the favorite was??
Looks like great fun!
I'm guessing the Caramel Pretzel was most requested ice cream, as it justs sounds unusual and curiosity-piquing. However, I'm also thinking the Coughlin Coffee Freeze must have been pretty popular.
YUM!!!
I got a napkin-folding book when our kids were young and had them choose which fold they wanted to do when we had company. It served us well, was good learning and great fun for the kids, and made the table look really snazzy!
That's great that your daughter made a cool sandwich for her friend. I would have to say for me - mint chip ice cream.
Oh how fun...I love the dessert menu idea! :D
My girls are 8 and 5, and I'm trying to remind them already during play dates to put their guests first. Not always a natural thing for kids! ;)
Oh, and I'm guessing the ice cream with hot espresso on top...at least that would have been my choice! :)
What a great life lesson for your children, and that dessert menu looks divine. I'll guess the caramel pretzel was the favorite.
Love the Pampered Chef tool... I use mine a lot.
I thought of you when I read a post at Romantic home. A wonderful story is linked there. It all stems from someone generous hospitality. Check it out if you have time.
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
On a totally unrelated subject ... what kind of camera do you and Paul use? Your pictures of Thursday Night Dinner and many others are always so lovely!!
Very cool!
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