Theme Meals

I'm big on traditions: holidays, birthdays, family gatherings--you name it and I'm there! I even enjoy the small ones that my family has started like family game night, movie night and our monthly theme meals. Trying to get everyone home for dinner during the week is a colossal task, but having a set theme meal makes this an easy solution. Theme meals give you and your kids a chance to plan and prepare a great meal together. For young children, using a favorite book or movie is a great way to start. For older kids, planning the meals around a travel destination, culture or event is a educational lesson in itself. Have your child put together the menu based around the theme and then create a shopping list. My girls love to give me their creative ideas and incorporate their likes and dislikes. As a parent, you set the stage to make sure the meal is still balanced and healthy. And, decorating for the meal is half of the fun. We spend several days up until the theme meal making table decorations and props to set the mood. On the day of the theme meal, have your kids help prepare all the food. Even children as young as 18 months like to pour in an ingredient, so get everyone involved. Theme meals have been a great success in our house and something that we look forward to every month!