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Original poster

To let kids eat dinner on laps?

60 replies

oifrogs · 23/04/2024 13:41

As in the title. Kids ages 3 and 6 and the table isn't really practical and no space for a larger one so they eat on Laps. I do feel a bit bad but equally is it the hill to die on?

OP posts:
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Pleasestopkickingme · 23/04/2024 19:41

When my kids outgrew their high chairs, we bought a fold up kids picnic table for them to eat at. Then when they were bigger, they moved to the proper table. That way they were still eating at a table, but it was the right size for them.

FrogTheWarrior · 23/04/2024 19:27

Do what suits you best OP. Your house, your rules.

TheChosenTwo · 23/04/2024 18:40

Well it’s not idea but you know that. If there’s no chance of them being able to eat at the table then I’m not sure what else you can do really.
Keep the telly off and talk, as though you are still sitting at a table.

Auburngal · 23/04/2024 17:51

minipie · 23/04/2024 17:39

What’s wrong with your table and what is it used for if not eating?

Our kitchen table is used all the time, not just eating but drawing, craft, homework.

Do you have to restrict what food you give them to reduce mess? Dry food only? Can’t imagine a 3 year old eating bolognese or casserole on a lap and not getting it everywhere.

If you have space for a table it is really worth changing it to something fit for purpose, it doesn’t have to be expensive, people are often getting rid of second hand tables for not a lot.

if you didn’t have space for a table then fair enough but sounds like you do?

You can pick up a reasonable sized table for about £25-40 in charity furniture shops and about £60-75 for ones with chairs.

Cheaper still if you have a tip with a too good to tip CS in it.

YoongiMarryMe · 23/04/2024 17:51

Do you have a coffee table or space to put one?

For 10 years we used (as a family) a cheap IKEA coffee table in the living room as there was nowhere to put a proper table. We all chose different cushions/pouffes to sit on. I’d have put down a protective cover if it was a nice table but no need with cheap Ikea. You could maybe just get a small side table that’s just right for 2 and let your DC sit at that?

Edited for spelling

PinkMildred · 23/04/2024 17:50

Rookangaroo4 · 23/04/2024 17:41

Ah we eat wherever we want. We have a big kitchen table but due to all eating at different times due to work/activities etc we rarely use it. In the grand scheme of things what does it actually matter.

You can say ‘what does it actually matter’ about almost every parenting decision on its own. Altogether they do matter when added up. I think eating together every night at the table is important

Auburngal · 23/04/2024 17:48

Providing their understand table manners and can sit at a table.

Those kids who run around in eating establishments - my reason is that sitting up at a table to eat a meal is alien to them.

fieldsofbutterflies · 23/04/2024 17:45

Personally I think at those ages, they should be eating at the table with their parents, not sitting on the sofa. If they were older primary or teens it would be different.

If you don't have much space, then a foldaway table that can be stored behind a door or sofa is all you need.

Rookangaroo4 · 23/04/2024 17:41

Ah we eat wherever we want. We have a big kitchen table but due to all eating at different times due to work/activities etc we rarely use it. In the grand scheme of things what does it actually matter.

minipie · 23/04/2024 17:39

What’s wrong with your table and what is it used for if not eating?

Our kitchen table is used all the time, not just eating but drawing, craft, homework.

Do you have to restrict what food you give them to reduce mess? Dry food only? Can’t imagine a 3 year old eating bolognese or casserole on a lap and not getting it everywhere.

If you have space for a table it is really worth changing it to something fit for purpose, it doesn’t have to be expensive, people are often getting rid of second hand tables for not a lot.

if you didn’t have space for a table then fair enough but sounds like you do?

vincettenoir · 23/04/2024 17:21

It's what we do. Don't feel great about it but dd rushes dinner to get it over with and hardly eats anything at the table.

PoppingTomorrow · 23/04/2024 17:16

How is your table not practical?

Eating at a table with a knife and fork is a basic life skill.

DreamAnalyst · 23/04/2024 17:14

Depends on why really. If you're in a B&B then needs must.

My cousin had some involvement from social services. One of the changes they asked for was for the kids to have a table they eat at regularly. They didn't insist on full on family meals nightly, but some sort of table for the young kids was considered important.

My cousin bought a children's plastic picnic table - not glamorous, but very easy to move out of the way when not in use.

Redherringgull · 23/04/2024 17:07

How big is this table if there's no room for two small children?

penjil · 23/04/2024 17:01

clarepetal · 23/04/2024 16:54

Fed, not dead.

Don't worry about it. X

Well, even extreme poverty families in mud huts in Africa can manage that!!

Tigersonvaseline · 23/04/2024 16:59

Lap trays?
Ikea do good cheap child tables and chairs.

clarepetal · 23/04/2024 16:54

Fed, not dead.

Don't worry about it. X

penjil · 23/04/2024 16:54

Is your table covered with household junk and stuff you haven't got space for?

penjil · 23/04/2024 16:53

Houseplanter · 23/04/2024 14:23

It would be important to me. I like family meals and somewhere for crafts, homework etc

Absolutely this.

It's one of the most important places in the home. The essence of "family" and "social".

Alwaysalwayscold · 23/04/2024 14:59

Why isn't the table practical?

MinervaMcGonagallsCat · 23/04/2024 14:53

If you have no option it's what you do.

You could use a lap tray or cushion to minimise spillages.

Stressfordays · 23/04/2024 14:52

Or if space is a serious issue, blanket on the floor and TV off?

Stressfordays · 23/04/2024 14:51

Personally, I really don't like it. Especially not every day. I'd get a small kids table or a folding one. My mum has one from IKEA that all folds out and has folding chairs. It's really compact. She uses that for when the grandkids come.

titchy · 23/04/2024 14:47

What's the point of a dining table if there isn't room to eat around it? Confused

Sunnytwobridges · 23/04/2024 14:41

We have trays that we use when we don't eat at the table, which is almost all the time.

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