Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Rhonda Kay's avatar

So thankful for “make the labor visible.” My all-male fam truly does not understand my deep hatred of dinner. In one fell swoop, you all validated my hatred, exposed meal planning as the worst job on earth AND I got community. Thx Takeaways: joint planning and starting tonite as chef NOT getting the forgotten salt and pepper.

Expand full comment
Sarah Copeland's avatar

The best, most honest article about family dinners I have ever read. I found myself screaming yes, yes yes again and again (please don't touch me while I eat!!).

We have reached the point, with kids ages 11 and 7, where only the youngest member of the family regularly renders family dinner unbearable (he's impatient, opinionated, yet charming--a dangerous combo at mealtimes), yet still, all of this resonates. The only other thing I've found that helps: putting him in charge of ambiance--folding napkins, lighting candles, even pouring wine for the grown-ups (and holding my tongue if he spills). Somehow this helps him feel more invested in what's happening at the table, even if he still rejects the actual meal, and bolts first. It's a start.

Expand full comment
92 more comments...

No posts