Growing up it was just the two of us girls, my younger sister and I. My sister, always the pickiest of eaters never really ate at dinner time (she inconveniently was never hungry for what we were all eating when we were all eating it), but was always hungry for something other than dinner later in the evening, prompting one of my mom’s famous lines…
“THE KITCHEN IS CLOSED!”
I just now realized I do the same thing, kinda, sorta. I don’t announce loudly that “the kitchen is closed” to all within earshot, I don’t hang a “sorry we’re closed” sign on the front door, but what I do, is turn off the lights. At a certain point in the evening it’s lights out in that part of the house. Signaling to all that undoubtedly, unequivocally, and assuredly the kitchen is closed. Save for a cup of water should someone be thirsty. I am VERY into hydration.
Do you treat your kids and kitchen like a 24-hour diner? Or do you have your own throw in the towel kitchen is closed routine?
I wish I could choose not to eat. I stop everything for food – LOL!
My kids know other than water, after dinner and pj’s there is no more food til the morning (but a drink of water is allowed). If you were too busy playing and chose not to come in to eat, that is your fault! (They eat plenty during the day and there is always fresh fruit and yogurt on hand they can help themselves to)
I hear you about the sugar. Now that the kids are older we try to be really on top of brushing teeth at night with a special sand/hourglass timer we got from the dentist.
That’s so nice. I find it’s a special kind of person who is always warm and giving and cooking for others… my grandparents’ kitchen was ALWAYS open. It was never the wrong time to make something homemade and sit and eat with them.
I SO know the “I’m done” feeling!
good for you! I am so into healthy snacks – we do lots of fresh fruits and veg!
After dinner and desert my son has the option for a snack in the evening, but only up to a certain time. He can drink all the water he wants, but no sugary drinks before bed.
my kitchen is always open, I appreciate help when offered in the off hours, but I’ll cook for anyone
I remember saying the same thing when my kids were young. There was and is always plenty to eat at my house, leftovers in the fridge, fresh fruit, nuts, etc. so if anyone wanted (or wants) anything after dinner and the cleanup, they had to/have to fend for themselves. I’m done.
I always seem to give in to my son, I don’t want him going hungry! But he needs to eat a healthy snack; that’s the compromise.