To let kids eat dinner on laps?

[oifrogs]

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.