Giddy Up Ya’ll, It’s Chow Time!
Posted by SeacoastKidsCalendar in At Home
Years ago, way before my kids were old enough for me to implement it, I read a great article in one of those parenting magazines about a dinnertime idea. I, like a lot of mothers, have always struggled with a two-fold problem: 1) getting my kids to eat, and 2) making mealtimes a fun family activity (read= not an emotional nightmare for all participants). I mental-noted it and socked it away for when my kids were old enough to appreciate it – that time has come.
Entrée “Cowboy Night”!
Cowboy Night is, at minimum dinner, and at most, a really good time. You will need just a few basic supplies:
- 1. Cowboy Stew
Your kids’ pickiness will dictate this one. I started out with a really elaborate mixture of Annie’s White Shells and Cheese with peas and pieces of rotisserie chicken. We’ve ended up with just Annie’s White Shells and Cheese. But you can use anything…leftovers thrown into a pot works just fine. Ya’ll, as long as it’s served in a bowl, those little cowboys and cowgirls won’t care. - 2. Cowboy Hats
Yes, you have to wear one, too. Inexpensive adult cowboy hats are a dime a dozen, pick one up at any one of those party supply stores. And for the kiddos, you can buy really well-made children’s cowboy hats at G.Wilikers in downtown Portsmouth for around $7 each (iParty has both adult and children’s hats from $1.99 to $10). We always keep extra cowboy hats on hand because it’s become quite a hit amongst our friends and family. - 3. Colored Handkerchiefs
Yep, worn in a triangle tied around the neck, just like real cowboys. These serve as actual napkins, just pull it up and wipe that slop off your face. You can find these at Walmart for about $1 a piece in the women’s accessory section. - 4. Cowboy Music
Our favorite is Dixie Chicks (my 3 year old son’s favorite song is Sin Wagon…verdict’s still out on if this is appropriate or not), but any twangy songs about pickup trucks and jowled dogs will work just fine. Post-dinner, we like to do a little square dancing, but that is completely optional. - 5. Cowboy Talk
Dinnertime chat consists of our imaginary life on the range. We talk of our horses mostly (my 4 year old’s horse is named Rainbow and is blue—whatever works!). My daughter has been known to go on for 20 minutes about the finer points of her horse’s saddle and treat preferences. Your kids’ imaginations explode before your eyes, you will be astounded at what they can come up with. Don’t forget to intersperse all cowboy talk with appropriate cowboy slang. Tipping your hats and using “ya’ll” as much as possible is a prerequisite to legitimate cowboy behavior.
And here’s the pièce de résistance …
- 6. Cow Bell
Originally this was used to signify the start of Chow Time. But as it sat on our table, my kids started ringing it when they would finish an item, in its entirety, on their plate. I don’t know why it works, but those little pardners will eat and eat and eat, as long as they can ring that dang bell when they’re finished. Try it, it works, and not just on Cowboy Night.
Cowboy Night (Tuesday nights at our house) has become such a success that my kids request it nearly every night. It’s great to see their excitement and involvement in an activity that normally causes such angst in many households. More importantly, we’re creating memories. I look forward to the day when they are way too old to be interested in such antics, but still look back and say, “That was really fun mom”!
Does your family do something fun, silly, inventive, educational or just plain cool for dinner? Share your ideas below in our comment box!
