Toys at the dinner table?

Mark

I'm doing a project based around mealtimes with Children and encouraging them to use a knife and fork at a young age (2 - 4), as well as keeping them entertained at the table, without the parents full attention.

My idea is a fun set of fairytale themed products, used as a cutlery/drinks/condiment/napkin holder etc, which not only acts as a layout for mealtimes, but can provide the child with entertainment and enjoyment at the dinner table. I hope to encourage playtime and mealtime together, and an association that using a knife and fork correctly can be fun.

I was hoping for any parents who have children of this age, to comment whether this seems like a good idea? Should toys be used at the dinner table?
To let you know my designs are not associated with the actual food. I agree not to have children playing with the gravy boat or using the mash bowl in a lunar landing!

My ideas are solely for dinnerware layout. i.e. a castle designs that works simply as a structure to hold the knife and fork, or to contain a napkin under its arch.

Thanks for your comments.

Mark
I'm not talking about two separate activities. I'm talking about combining the two, to make mealtimes more interesting.
example:
http://www.worldwidefred.com/airforkone.htm

Answer
I don't think it's such a hot idea. It's really cute and clever in theory, but I don't think it'll teach them what they really need to learn.

Family mealtime is one of the most fundamental socialization experiences. Teaching the kid how to interact with the other people at the table, politely and appropriately, is much more important than teaching him how to use a knife and fork. They're going to learn to use silverware eventually no matter what, but if you train them this young to see mealtime as a time to go into one's own head and play with toys while being ignored by the adults, rather than as a time to take part in the shared experience of the rest of the group, you're going to have a heck of a time when they're teenagers convincing them that they shouldn't be texting at the table, etc. And if they're too young to be included in the mealtime experience the rest of the family is having......then they're too young to be using silverware and should probably be fed with a bottle. If they're old enough to sit there, they're old enough to be treated as legitimate members of the circle--even if it means the parents are going to have to (gasp!) pay full attention to them.

murder mystery dinner party?

running

I want to host a murder mystery dinner party for 8 to 10 people. Any suggestions on which are the best kits and/ or themes?

Answer
The BEST kit is the
How To Host A Murder series
They have a lot of choices depending on what style you want to do, great suggestions, menus and everything you need in the kit.
I've got three of them and they are always a huge hit!
They sell them in the toy section on Amazon. com, and here are a couple of other sites where you can read summaries of each game.
One tip though: the first time you do one, make sure you DON'T include yourself as one of the characters. It's better if you run the game and manage the food, etc. your first time. We did the one that is set in an English Manor, so I dressed up as a French Maid and my date came as the butler to help me.
The other tip I have to be sure you stress to your guests that if they say they will come that they don't flake out on you. IT WON'T WORK with less than 8 people (also a good reason not to assign yourself a character at first, as you may have to fill in for someone who doesn't show up!)!
You will have a great time! Good luck!
P.S. you get GREAT pictures if you encourage everyone to dress up like the part you assign them!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Title Post: Toys at the dinner table?
Rating: 93% based on 9658 ratings. 4 user reviews.
Author: Unknown

Thanks For Coming To My Blog