Tuesday, September 23, 2008

News and Goods...

I have to share about this practice we've started at our house. Some months ago I was reading Parenting and it talked about this idea for sharing "News and Goods" at the dinner table. So on the nights when we are able to sit down as a family (as often as possible), we started this. The point is for everyone to go around the table and share their "News and Goods" from the day. With 3 1/2 year old twins, the things that they are able to share are often funny, sometimes revealing and never cease to amaze me. What also amazes me is that after the first few times of prompting by me, this has become a practice that my children LOVE! As soon as we sit down and say our mealtime prayer, "God is good, God is great...", Aidan or Cord, or both, begin prompting..."Mommy, say your news and goods!" They always want Chad and I to share first, while they are thinking of what to say. And while their first "news and goods" were pretty simple, for instance, "Um, today I played cars..." (that's Cord's favorite thing to share), the things they've shared recently have gotten more complex and detailed and they really get the meaning of the exercise. I remember always sitting down to dinner with my family growing up, even though both of my parents worked full time, and for most of my life, my Dad would return to work around my bedtime (he was the county sheriff for 20 years). I know that those memories helped shape me into the person I am and I hope to pass those memories on to my children. I also know that "News and Goods" around the family dinner table will always be a part of our lives.

3 comments:

Amanda Kirkpatrick said...

i love it!!!! you and chad are great!!! and your kids will treasure these times forever!!!

Kyle Vannoy said...

What a great idea! As our kids get older, it's hard to find time to all sit down and eat together. I don't know how you do it all, but I know it's hard work. Enjoy these times because they don't last forever.

Anonymous said...

Keep up the making of wonderful memories, Jody...and you and Chad can share ways to do it with Donnie and Tianay now. Have you read Riggins blog today? Thought you might like to know...I hope the first appearance is on May 11th, your birthday, or the 12th, D & T's anniversary!