Dine Outside More
One of the easiest ways to make mealtime less stressful, way easier to clean up, and more social, is to simply take your plates outside. If you’re up for an easy way to have more outdoor fun with your family, it doesn’t get easier than this.
When my son was little we started eating meals outdoors because he made SUCH A MESS. It was such a relief to not have to worry about the end-of-evening clean up. We’d still take his high-chair to the grass, so he didn’t trample all over everyone else’s food, but it was still an improvement.
As my kids got older, we found that eating outdoors was way less stressful. The need for table manners disappeared, and everyone could just relax and enjoy the day. If the kids got up and played, it didn’t really matter, because then it felt like I was getting bonus child-free time. They were excited to play and my husband and I could finally have an uninterrupted conversation at dinner. And maybe the kids ate less than they would inside, but they still ate something, so who cares!
And eating outdoors has this amazing way of making life seem more satisfying. Time slows down when you notice the sun setting, or watch the birds in the trees, or feel the summer breeze.
We love eating outdoors so much that it has become one of my parenting hacks.
Here are some examples of different ways to eat outdoors more:
Have picnics in your yard or driveway. Set up a blanket or beach towel and the kids will be instantly attracted to it. You can do this for morning tea or lunch, or even brekky and dinner too!
Go somewhere for a picnic. Take the kids somewhere with a packed afternoon tea after school (e.g. a park or garden), have a picnic lunch after weekend sports, or get takeaway and enjoy a picnic dinner if the weather is nice. We love to go to the local headland or surf club, somewhere the kids can run around and we can chuck leftovers to the seagulls!
Have a BBQ with friends. As if you need an excuse! Sometimes, though, we need a reminder.
Instead of going to a café to catch up, grab a takeaway and walk to somewhere with a view.
Set up an outdoor seating area at home. This can make it easier to remember to eat outdoors.
Choose a meal that is eaten outside by default. For us, this is morning tea. Afternoon tea is outdoors about 90% of the time. Maybe there’s a meal that would work well for you – Friday dinners, Saturday lunches, Sunday breakfast, Tuesday after school… what do you think? If it’s part of the routine, it’ll happen more!
On that same note, pick a type of meal that has to be eaten outdoors – e.g. sushi, pizza, fish and chips, salad wraps, noodles. Whenever we had rice, spaghetti or noodles we’d eat outside so my son couldn’t get food all over the floor.
Next time you feel stressed or cranky at the table, let it be a reminder to take everyone outside for a change of scenery.
Next time you feel rushed and like you haven’t got to sit down in ages, take everyone outside.
Next time you feel like you’ve been inside all day and missed the chance to have fun, decide to eat somewhere where you can see the sky and breathe in fresh air.
Your Turn
Try eating outside this weekend! And if you love it as much as I do, why not try adding it into your regular week as well.
As always, let me know how you go!
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