Eating as a family with small children takes intention, patience, persistence, and tender love and care. Although I grew up eating as a family, it’s becoming less and less common. As a mother with 4 small children, I can understand why. It’s hard work! But the seeds that are planted in their hearts through your patience and persistence will bear good fruit. My oldest is only 9 and I am already seeing the fruit of our labors. Here are some tips we have picked up along the way: ~ Assign jobs for both setting the table and clearing the table - I have found that keeping these same jobs for 1-2 months helps build confidence and allows the children to take ownership of them. All I have to say now is “Do you job” and they already know what to do! It makes meal times much smoother. ~ Sing and pray before each meal! This is the glue for every meal and a way of inviting christ into our homes. We are asking for God’s blessing while also expressing our gratitude! ~ Wait for everyone to be done eating, and ask to be excused - Being polite is always good, and instilling these manners is ideal at meal times. ~ Everyone brings their plate to the counter to be washed - This helps everyone! We are both being responsible for our own messes, but we are also assisting in the work. This can be done as early as 18 months old! I start my kids very young in sharing the load. They find so much satisfaction in this work! What would you add to the list? Resources: Pray Always Desk Flip Book (pictured in the video) - https://www.drawneardesigns.com/home/pray-always-desk-flip-book Rich Men have turned poor and hungry song - https://youtu.be/4W651KmSfZQ Find us on Instagram: @Asceticlifeofmotherhood and @PatristicNectarKids If you want to see more PNP Kids Content, please consider making a donation! Visit https://patristicnectar.org/donations or text "PNP" to 53-555 to send a quick gift! #patristicnectar #patristicnectarpublications #pascha #brightweek #easter #jesus #orthodoxchristianity #orthodoxchristian #forchildren #kidsactivities #biblestoriesforchildren