When Dinnertime is Chaotic with Erin H.

Erin has two boys, 7 and 9, who can't sit still at dinnertime. Erin and her husband want a nice family dinner every night, but the boys complain about the food, jump up and down, and can't seem to get the cleanup done.

Today, Erin and I talk about what she can do about the situation. We talk about how it might be a good idea to cut family dinners down to five times a week, and I offer the suggestion that the boys do something to release all of their energy before sitting down each evening. We talk about the possibility of planning dinners in advance with the boys' input so that they won't be unhappily surprised at dinnertime, and we discuss doing something fun at dinner. Regarding cleanup, we talk about framing it as a way to contribute to the family now that they're old enough, instead of as chores. I note that she can leave the boys to take care of it themselves instead of watching over the process, and I offer the suggestion of setting a kitchen timer for them.

"It's not a chore; it's your contribution to mealtime."

- Sue Groner

This week on The Parenting Mentor:

• How to take care of ants in the pants
• The benefits of planning dinners in advance
• Doing something fun at dinner and teaching your kids how to have conversations
• How to frame chores so that your kids will be proud to do them
• The importance of a kitchen timer

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