Is it anal not to allow your children to eat anything at all in the living room?

[emkana]

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I don't have a specially tidy house, it has a lived in feel but I don't want sticky furniture, spillages and crumbs everywhere. It is very easy and not at all oppressive to eat at a table.I am a bit more relaxed now they are older but there was no way I was having toddlers trailing food around the house.

Yes, it is! Rather than restrict their behaviour, why not teach them how to keep mess to a minimum and clear up after themselves? They may not do it all the time but it is an essential life skill, right?

why not eat just at the table though? not restrictive, IMO

But if they're watching telly, say, and want to have snacks? Why not? When I was little we'd all settle in front of the telly with fruit and Ovaltine on a Saturday night. It's stuck in my memory as a lovely, cosy, cuddle-up evening activity which we all enjoyed. What's wrong with that - even if you have nice furniture?

nothing wrong with it, but I don't think it's anal to not eat and watch TV at the same time...

No such rule in this house- couldn't be really as we only have one room downstairs. Yes really really one room, the kitchen is open plan with living room. Not too keen on food upstairs but I do allow it sometimes. DH left banana skin on bedroom radiator last week, can't recommend that!

I'm certainly not implying that they should always eat when watching TV; what I am saying is that having a blanket rule forbidding any eating at all in the living room is...anal.

Our flat has 3 rooms plus bathroom and (too small for a proper table) kitchen. Our dining table is in our living room . So no, we don't have this rule

I would love a lovely decent-sized kitchen wr could make all homely and have meals in.

No. Our childen weren't allowed to eat in the living room when they were younger.

bluestocking your couch sounds devine

purpleduck scratches her head wondering what just came over her to use the word "devine"

wanders off confused

Message withdrawn