Noodly Doodle

So yesterday I posted about the Dinner Battle Royal.  That was a once in a while occasion.  Usually Doodle is a lovely dinner companion.  We have worked hard to eat meals at the table, teach her manners, and learn that meal time is a time for conversation and family.  As she has gotten older, we have all enjoyed her emerging conversational skills and dinner routines.  In case you don't have a 3 year old at your table, or if you are looking for new topics of conversation here are some of her favorite topics.  Think of her like "Coffee Talk" only more repetitive and less yiddish.


"Ignoring the Question"- This topic is adult initiated and thus not very successful.  "Doodle what activity did you go to at school today?"  Doodle replies "music with Grammie Jean."  Adult thinks this is going somewhere and continues "What did you do at music?"  Sighing, Doodle answers "we sing."  Adult thinks, sweet she answered again, I might find out the mysteries of music at preschool and presses forward.  "What songs did you sing?" Doodle squints her eyes shut and puts a bite of food in her mouth and says "I am eating and I cannot talk about this right now."  This is the equivalent to our 3 year old giving us the hand.  Conversation. Over. Now.


"Breakfast, lunch or dinner"- When this is the topic you must guess between two meals to decide what meal you are eating.  Mind you, the correct meal is never a choice, so this just ends in someone (usually an adult) looking foolish.  For example, at dinner Doodle will say "Mommy are we eating breakfast or lunch?" I will reply "breakfast."  She falls into fits of laughter, tells me I'm silly and asks again.  Loads. Of. Fun


"There's a ...... in your house"-  This discussion requires creativity by both parties.  The wee one says "Mommy, there is a lion in your house."  Grown one replies, "I don't hear a lion in my house."  Wee one makes lion sound (sometimes very creatively).  Grown up must then come up with a reason for that animal to leave the house.  "Lion, get out of my house.  You have a big furry mane and we already have too much curly hair hair in this house, so get out now!"  Wee one giggles and is silent for another 2.2 seconds while she thinks of the next animal.  


Other less interesting topics include How Was Your Day, Best Part of Your Day, and What Did You Do Today.  These are much more common and much less entertaining.  Sometimes, our dinner gets a little silly and a little playful, but My Favoritest and I both hope that she will remember family meals as a special part of her childhood.

January 18 (181/365)