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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 23/04/2024 13:46

are they watching tv?

Sallyh87 · 23/04/2024 13:46

Do some people eat at the table and not them?

Anyway, I don’t think it will be harming them. We used to eat at the kitchen counter on stools when I was a child. Didn’t seem to harm me.

Might be easier to get them trays.

MumMumMumMumMumMumMum · 23/04/2024 13:45

oifrogs · 23/04/2024 13:44

@MumMumMumMumMumMumMum no there isn't room

Hard to imagine what sort of table you have that can't seat two small children but it is what it is then. If you've no choice not much point worrying about it.

MrsS11 · 23/04/2024 13:45

Sounds messy to me but it's your house! Could they sit on the floor at a coffee table? Or a little kids table and chairs? Personally for me the issue would be, is the TV on or are you speaking to each other. I think that's more important

oifrogs · 23/04/2024 13:44

@MumMumMumMumMumMumMum no there isn't room

OP posts:
oifrogs · 23/04/2024 13:44

@MojoMoon they manage ok

OP posts:
SpringLobelia · 23/04/2024 13:43

We mostly do. 14 and 12 here. The table is used at weekends. There are a whole bunch of reasons I won't go into neccessarily but sometimes the reality of life means that whatever is meant to be 'best practice' just can't happen. They are fed, comfortable, and safe. That's enough sometimes.

MojoMoon · 23/04/2024 13:42

It is pretty hard for them to balance plates on laps and use cutlery, surely?

Why is the table not practical?

purplecorkheart · 23/04/2024 13:42

Sounds like you have no other really option really.

MumMumMumMumMumMumMum · 23/04/2024 13:42

Is there no room just for the children to sit at the table? Ota difficult to sit at and in laps, for a 3 year old especially if have thought.