A great family kitchen really is the heart of the home.
It’s where countless good times are shared over family dinners, where
important conversations often take place as mom or dad prepares a meal
for the family, and where the details of the school day are shared over
an afternoon snack. With our kitchens acting so much like a “family
room,” maybe it’s a good idea to put a little thought into making it
warm and inviting for family and guests alike!
1. Decide on your vibe.
The colors and finishes already in place in your kitchen may dictate
how much latitude you have here, but decide on a feeling you want the
space to evoke. It might be a sweetly decorated place known for its
baked treats, a rustic space with lots of natural elements, or a
contemporary room with some key tech elements to draw your techy kids
in.
3. Cook. Pretty
obvious, huh? But there’s really no substitute for the wonderful smells
that drift from a kitchen where tasty things are happening. It’s like a
magnet to hungry kids. And take heart—it doesn’t have to be fancy! My
son comes to the kitchen at a full sprint when he smells a skillet of
ground beef sizzling with some taco seasoning. Because taco night rocks.
4. Keep some bait out.
If you’re fishing for kids, you need bait. In this case, a pretty cake
dome with a great dessert underneath, or a bowl of fresh fruit and packs
of nuts, crackers and pretzels for snacking will draw them in again and
again. Don’t forget to stock the fridge with their favorite drinks.
5. Entertain their friends.
Some of my best memories as a teen were in the homes of friends whose
parents welcomed us warmly with food and drink, and made us feel at
home. Let your kids invite company on the weekends, and plan some
special snacks or meals to warm their tummies. Your home will be a place
they love to visit, and that will keep you connected to your kids’
social lives throughout adolescence and even college.
6. Pray over your kitchen.
Take the time to pray over this special place in your home: the meals
that will be prepared there to nourish your family, the conversations
that will take place there, and the relationships that will be fostered
there. Ask for God’s blessing and protection over all you do there to
love and nurture your family!
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2013 iMOM. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and
Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks. Photo courtesy of www.acid.org
