"Creating Memories"

Coming from a family of four - some of our most treasured moments were always spent in the kitchen...

Invariably this would be when mom was busy preparing a meal - whether it was cereal or porridge in the morning before we went off to school, or preparing the evening meal, we would all congregate in the kitchen and share the happenings of the day to come or of the exciting things that happened. 

The kitchen table would be the centerpiece for all. Often piled with homework books, half empty plates, household post (when the local mailman would deliver to our doorstep), project paraphernalia etc. One thing is for sure - the kitchen table was always surrounded by bubbling kids, laughter, shouts and sharing.

As technology takes over and our lives seem to be more hectic with each new day, you need to remind yourself that everything you are doing "at this very moment in time" is creating memories. Do you want these to be fun and interactive with your children? OR do you want them to pass by as a blur and have no meaning?

Some fun Tips to help "create memories":

• Put some music on when you are busy preparing a meal. Music is something we all resonate with and it somehow just makes any moment special.
• Whether you have a newborn, a toddler or a teenager - include them in your activities.
•  Let them help you prepare the meal e.g. unpack the plastic (if a toddler) stir the bowl (if a kiddie) / set the table (if teenager) etc.
• Wash or dry the dishes. Unpack the dishwasher
• Let this be the meeting place - where you discuss your day's activities (a great time to encourage family chats and interaction)
• Let the kitchen table be the craft table for making things / baking / school projects etc.
• It's also a great "teaching place" - besides the obvious of how to cook and bake, it can also be a great place to teach little ones things like how to set a table (formal or informal); table manners; how to pack and unpack dishes or how and when to clear dishes after a meal.

After all...it's all about creating memories - and treasured memories at that!