Growing up, the kids’ table was the place to be. We got served our meal (and our dessert) first, didn’t have to listen to any of that boring adult talk, and no one bothered us when we lovingly passed our least favorite food onto a cousin’s plate. Who wouldn’t want to sit there?
Growing up at the kids’ table, I never saw anything wrong. Now that my own family is starting to grow, we’re finally at a point where it might make sense to put the kids at their own table. Should we or shouldn’t we? Help us weigh the issue.
Kid Table Pro: Like I remember, the kids’ table gives kids a place to be young. They can have their own conversations, eat at their own pace, and parents can make sure that they’re settled before they sit down to eat themselves. The kids’ table means the kids can…well, be kids.
Kid Table Con: Have you ever seen what goes on when a group of kids are left alone to eat without any adult supervision? No matter how well they know their table manners, they may forget when their cousin Johnny wants to see how many baby carrots he can fit in his mouth. Are your children responsible enough to be left to fend for themselves during meal time?
Kid Table Pro: The kid table can be the great equalizer between friends and family members that do and don’t have children. If your children are old enough to sit to the side and eat surrounded by other children, you can enjoy a grown-up meal without worrying that you’re monopolizing the conversation with kid-talk. Depending on how kid-friendly your Thanksgiving table, this can be a major plus for some guests and some families.
Kid Table Con: The kid table can cause some logistical issues when it comes to space and serving. Should we/shouldn’t we might not even matter if you can’t practically implement a table for the kids. If a kids’ table means the adults eat a cold dinner, there aren’t enough serving platters, or you have to take up the entire living room with seating, it might not be worth it.
Kid Table Pro: Knowing where to put the crystal goblets and the fine china (read: not on the kids’ table) can make planning for your Thanksgiving dinner a bit easier. You can stick with regular dishes (sometimes even plastic) on the kids’ table to guarantee that nothing gets broken. This way you don’t need a seating chart or place cards to designate who needs to sit where.
Kid Table Con: Probably the biggest con of the kids’ table is that you don’t get to eat Thanksgiving dinner with your kids. While the adult time is nice, I love my children, and want to celebrate the holiday by eating a meal with them. Having them sit away from me doesn’t facilitate the family spirit.
Weigh in, readers. Will you have a kids’ table this Thanksgiving? Why or why not?
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