Makeshift work from home desk, home schooling table, craft activity station, science experiment or vegetable growing workbench, paperwork holding area or extended toy box. A dining room table performs multiple functions beyond being the place we sit and eat.

When our children sit down to eat, we need to be able to clearly define the time as meal time, and one simple thing we can do to help them get into the right frame of mind for eating is to clear the table and transform it from whatever activity area it has been into an inviting dining area.

Children eat better when their dining area is clean and tidy, bright and inviting and there are limited distractions.

When you prepare for dinner this evening, clear the table and ask your child to help lay the table with care and attention so that you set the foundations for a joyful mealtime.