International Supper Club For Kids

Monday, March 22, 2010
by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

The International Supper Club for Kids. Don't Google it. My husband made it up.

When it comes to parenting, there are many things I love. I don't have to tell you about them, chances are you love them too. However, there are some things I admit I miss. These include grown-up dates and dinners at non-kid friendly restaurants. They'll both come back in time, but for now, my neighborhood friends and I have our International Supper Club for Kids.

Yes, they are little and may (okay, don't) know know the difference between Mexico and Germany, but why not start an international education now? Celebrating the diversity of the world is definitely one thing I want my kiddo to be hip to. Plus, I get to reap the benefits of this informal neighborhood club.

How does it work? It's pretty simple really.

Each month (ours happens to be the 4th Sunday at 4pm), 3 neighborhood families gather together for a playdate. With the benefits of a safe, supportive and social experience for our little ones and adult conversation for the rest of us, this playdate also became a great way to learn something new. So, we added in the element of celebrating one country each month.

We rotate hosting this playgroup. Whoever is the host family picks the country of focus. This "lucky" family also provides a main dish to share. The other families each contribute a side dish.

Each family approaches each dinner as they wish. In addition to good food, we've shared stories and pictures about India and danced to polka music with red/black/yellow streamers to celebrate Germany.

It's become a great way to introduce our children to new foods (and I've tasted some new ones too!) and even some new words from a different language.

It's become a fun way to celebrate and begin to educate the children about this great world we live in.

And, it's been a treat to enjoy adult conversation and good food in an environment that is appropriate for my child.

Kids are a great excuse to start something new.

What's your plan?

Buena Suerte!

 

 

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