Coming from a large family eating alone (unless it was a punishment) was never the case. I am the third eldest of ten children and the oldest girl so when my mother would cook I would assist her, most days. Before meal time we all knew the drill. We would clamor in from playing (which was done only after homework was completed) and take showers and get dressed for bed. When we came downstairs for meal time which was always held in the living room around the television my mother would have the floor lined with newspaper so that we wouldn't make a mess while we ate. My dad would pray over the food and once we were all taken care of he would pop in a movie or turn to HIS favorite show (most likely a western or Bruce lee flick). No talking was allowed. In my home we were not able to drink anything until we finished our food. Once we made a "happy plate" then we got to have our favorite drink "red kool aid!!!" I have to say sometimes we didnt want to watch television we would have rather talk and enjoy one another but for the most part we understood our routine and just went with the flow.
Being that there was never dialogue during meal time even when I was having lunch at school I wouldn't talk. I'd listen to my peers talk but I never spoke a word while eating. Even now as an adult I see meal time as a time to relax, enjoy food, and watch TV. No real dialogue occurs when I am eating. Occasionally I do enjoy a good conversation and a few laughs over lunch with a friend but day to day I find myself sticking to my father's way when it comes to mealtime.
You made me laugh when you mentioned about your mom putting newspaper on the floor, I bet you guys were really messy, but that's how kids are. Now, the part when you said that it was quiet time while you ate, I understand, maybe your dad was into the movie and wanted to hear every word mentioned in the movie. Remember back then people did not have the privilege to be rewinding the movie a lot, especially with the VCR, now it's way easier.
ReplyDeleteBut, my question is "Was there any family time when you would talk about problems, say jokes, or just talk for the fun of it?
Well you can say that the strict household made you smarter, stronger, and more aware of how to handle life. I know other people who had situations like that and they were able to achieve so much despite their childhoods. And now you have the opportunity to raise your family however you see fit.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your blog it sound so much like my household I had to look again to make sure you were not one of my siblings.
ReplyDeleteThinking back on it it was not that bad; so now my children have the same routine and if they grow up as level headed as you seem and my siblings and I am it is all worth having a routine (as my father would it the plan).