Taco Tuesday

I grew up eating in the kitchen at the dining table with my siblings while my parents ate in the living room in front of the television. I never really thought anything of it, unless we were being yelled at to be quiet or chew with our mouths shut! It wasn’t until I heard people talking about how important it was to eat as a family, that I thought this routine of ours may be out of the ordinary. Still, I enjoyed this time just chatting with my brother and sister, and I feel like it may have even made us closer than some siblings.

My now 12-year-old son used to be incredibly picky as a young child. He literally only ate French toast, pizza, grilled cheese and chicken nuggets. My husband and I did all of the things the pediatrician suggested: model what should be eaten, only give him foods that we want him to eat, offer small amounts of different foods every week so he would eventually try them. Nothing worked, and he was not gaining weight, so we decided to give in. Instead of cooking one meal for all of us, I would cook a meal for my husband and I, and a separate meal for Liam.

I continued doing this out of habit when my other kids were born after Liam. I most often make 2 dinners every night, and because of this my kids eat at a different time than my husband and I. The boys eat together around 6 in the evening, while my husband and I eat together once the kids are in bed. Sometimes I feel guilty for this routine. Other times I cherish that alone time with my spouse!

Although most nights we eat at separate times, taco night brings us together. Tacos are one of the few meals that the entire family enjoys. To make it even more fun, I set out all of the meat, cheese, sauce, shells, tortillas, etc on the table so that everyone can customize their own taco. It’s an enjoyable meal that we always spend together.