The Family Table
by: Susie Cover, Co-founder Susie's Supper Club
There are a host of benefits associated with eating together as a family. The quality time leads to psychological and health advantages that have been touted by studies far and wide. In her book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, best-selling author Barbara Kingsolver notes that a study of National Merit Scholars revealed the common thread between these notable scholars was growing up frequently dining together as a family.
But the process of sitting down to the table can be difficult to organize and meals are time consuming to prepare. From picky palates to busy work and school schedules, sometimes parents just need a hand. Here are some tips on making food that appeals to adults and children, and suggestions for finding time to sit down together as a family:
Good Food for Parents and Children
Interactive, "make-your-own" dishes are always crowd pleasers. Do-it-yourself pizzas, fajitas or tacos can be both nutritious and delicious. Pasta is also a great choice for kids. If you keep the sauces smooth and add a little cheese, they will be eating oodles of veggies in no time.
Beat Busy Schedules
Whether you are cooking from scratch or buying food from an outside source, planning is essential. Use free time to stock the fridge and freezer with pre-prepared meals that you can easily put together later in the week. Ensure that the family gets together by scheduling it on your calendar. Make a point to do this at least once a week until it becomes a regular occurrence.
Susie Cover, a professional chef and co-founder of Susie's Supper Club www.SusiesSupperClub.com, has made a career out of providing tips like these.
Money Talk
by: Jolene Godfrey, CEO of Independent Means
With the school-less days of summer here, now is a great time to help children develop a financial vocabulary. Below are four activities to get them started.
The park budget. Before leaving the house for the theme park, announce the 'budget'. Use a chalkboard or a simple piece of paper to illustrate what the budget covers (transportation, snacks, entry fees, etc.). If you spend more than budgeted, talk about the 'deficit' you've created; if they don't spend all the money; praise them for saving and put that money in their bank and follow up with a visit to a real bank to open a savings account on another day.
The library card. On your next visit, explain that a library card is like a credit card. You borrow a book, it's marked on your card, you gain knowledge (instead of money), and if you don't return it (pay it back), you have to pay. Be sure to add that returning it on time is one of the most important habits they can develop.
The entrepreneur. If your children want to open a lemonade stand, offer to invest by providing the money for sugar and lemons if they contribute sweat equity (making and selling the lemonade). Explain that you'll share equity in the business. If they make a profit, you might decide to reinvest; if they lose money; you can talk about how to do it so you make money the next time.
The Volunteer. Learning to exercise generosity wisely is a money skill. Take a half-day to volunteer with your kids at a local non-profit, community project, church, temple or mosque. Talk about what it means to be a donor or a philanthropist.
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