After closed-door meeting with...Post Politics | Juliet Eilperin
L.A.'s mayor says states are luring...GovBeat | Niraj Chokshi
Diana Nyad: DreamShe The People | Diana Reese
Where the votes stand on SyriaThe Fix | Aaron BlakeOpinionsIn OpinionsToles CartoonsTelnaes AnimationsThe Post's ViewLeft-LeaningRight-LeaningLocal OpinionsColumnist IndexFeatured Blogs
Seamus Heaney passes, but his words...ComPost | Alexandra Petri
Happy Hour RoundupThe Plum Line | Jonathan Bernstein
Blame Congress on war powersPostPartisan | Jonathan Bernstein
Getting the truth from Kerry and...Right Turn | Jennifer RubinLocalIn LocalD.C.MarylandVirginiaCrimeEducationObituariesTransportationWeatherBlogs & ColumnsBlogs & Columns
Steamy with possible storms today...Capital Weather Gang | Jason Samenow
Josh Burdette, the face of the...Going Out Guide | Alex Baldinger
Even with smartphones, some commuters...Dr. Gridlock | Lori ArataniSportsIn SportsRedskins/NFLCapitals/NHLWizards/NBANationals/MLBD.C.United/SoccerCollegesAllMetSportsBlogs & ColumnsForumsOtherSportsBlogs & Columns
Ovechkin to the KHL?Capitals Insider | Katie Carrera
Redskins in costumeDC Sports Bog | Sarah Kogod
Shanahan declines to name a punt...The Insider | Mark Maske
Harper receiving treatment on hipNationals Journal | James WagnerNationalIn NationalEnergy &EnvironmentHealth & ScienceEducationNational SecurityInvestigationsOn FaithOn LeadershipInnovationsOn GivingCorrectionsBlogs & Columns
Graduates with high GMAT scores...Innovations | Vivek Wadhwa
Creating the right work atmosphereOn Leadership | Tom Fox
Remembering the revival on the...On Faith | Jay-Paul HindsWorldIn WorldAfricaTheAmericasAsia &PacificEuropeMiddle EastNational SecurityWar ZonesSpecial ReportsColumns & BlogsBlogs & Columns
Interview with Syrian war photographerWorldViews | Max Fisher
Obama's Syria choice: Good for...WorldViews | Max Fisher
Rep. King berates Obama over SyriaWorldViews | Max Fisher
Video: Obama announces military...WorldViews | Max FisherBusinessIn BusinessEconomyIndustriesLocal BusinessMarketsPolicy&RegulationTechnologyWorldBusinessCapital BusinessOn Small BusinessOn I.T.Blogs & Columns
Labor Day lesson: Hard labor can...The Color of Money | Michelle Singletary
Why there's no reason for big universities...Wonkblog | Dylan MatthewsTechIn TechnologyPolicyInnovationGreenTechnologyThe SwitchPhotoGalleriesBlogs & Columns
1Weather is a clear and cool app...Hayley Tsukayama
Microsoft acquires Nokia's phone...The Switch | Timothy B. Lee
Is Bitcoin a currency? One Switch...The Switch | Brian Fung
Dutch-Iranian filmmaker calls NSA...The Switch | Brian FungLifestyleIn LifestyleAdviceCarolyn HaxFoodHome & GardenStyleTravelWeddingsWellnessMagazineKidsPostOn ParentingBlogs & Columns
David Frost dies, Russell Crowe...The Style Blog | Veronica Toney
Names & Faces: Seth Meyers...The Reliable Source | Michael Livingston II
EntertainmentIn EntertainmentBooksComicsGoing Out GuideHoroscopesMoviesMuseumsMusicPuzzles & GamesTheater &DanceTVBlogs & Columns
‘I HAVE A DREAM’ SPEECH...Comic Riffs | Michael Cavna
Josh Burdette, the face of the...Going Out Guide | Alex BaldingerJobsIn Jobs#header-v3 #main-nav li.realestate{display:none;}#header-v3 #main-nav li a.top, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.top:link, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.top:visited, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.top:hover {font-size:13px;padding: 0 4px 0 5px !important;}#header-v3 #main-nav li a.home, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.home:link, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.home:visited, #header-v3 #main-nav li a.home:hover {padding: 0px !important;}#header-v3 #main-nav li.politics {border-left:none;}#header-v3 #main-nav li.classifieds {border-right:none;}#header-v3 #main-nav-wrapper-v2 .classifieds .rollMe {right:-1px;height:155px;width:260px;}#header-v3 #main-nav li.politics:hover {-moz-box-shadow: none;-webkit-box-shadow: none;box-shadow: none;}MoreClassifiedsCarsDealsReal EstateRentalsPhotosBlogsDiscussionsFind&SaveObituariesArchivesTopicsWP Wine ClubService Alley Wellness In the NewsCarolyn Hax Gov. LePage Seamus Heaney Periodic table Selfie ???initialComments:true! pubdate:08/27/2013 18:11 EDT! commentPeriod:14! commentEndDate:9/10/13 6:11 EDT! currentDate:9/2/13 8:0 EDT! allowComments:true! displayComments:true!
Venice Film Festival
College dorm decor
Enjoy Washington’s slow week
Rodman in North Korea to visit authoritarian...Maintaining the Zen of summer at mealtime \ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Health News & Tips\5\e_1345215365.jpg)
Linda Davidson/The Washington Post - Keep fresh food accessible. In the summertime it is easy: Fresh tomatoes, peaches and blackberries are at our fingertips and require no cooking to satisfy. They sit on the table and are plucked up by anyone anytime without guilt or argument. This practice doesn’t have to end with summer.
By Casey Seidenberg,My children are much more relaxed in the summertime, as most children are. When they are homework-free, their sports seasons have ended and their camp day starts later, they find time to be creative and laugh more together. They pick up a book and get cozy in a chair. They seem to be healthier and happier with all of the unstructured time.
As the summer fades, I always vow to hold on to these slower-paced routines and also the peaceful attitude I embody after vacation, when stress rolls off my back, nobody is in a rush and I feel genuinely connected to my children.
But sustaining these behaviors when life’s pace cranks up, the commitments pile on and there are no more lazy vacation mornings is close to impossible.
I have a few ideas of how to extend summer, at least for mealtimes.
1. Keep logistics away from the table. Our vacation meal conversations are entirely different than those during the school year. On vacation, we don’t talk about schedules, carpools and backpacks that need to be packed. Our conversations seem to broaden. Some memorable ones have been the qualities of a great president, being a city or country person, and the selling points of different ice cream flavors. These conversations, whether serious or not, were fun. It is easy to lose the fun and get bogged down in the routine when vacation ends. Try to keep logistics away from the table.
2. Eat outside as long as the weather permits. We hear the noises of the city in our little back yard, but we also hear the birds, watch the leaves in the breeze and breathe in fresh air, all of which eases us. So as the temperature drops, we are going to grab sweaters, maybe even hats, and prolong the outdoor eating as far into the fall and winter as possible.
3. Slow the pace of dinner. I love the leisurely pace of summer dinners because I feel more present. I never seem to be rushing my kids to finish their meal, probably because there isn’t homework to finish or a strict bedtime to meet. To relax and be present at mealtime, I sometimes set a time frame. I don’t disclose to my kids that I have allotted 35 minutes for dinner, but during that 35 minutes I promise myself I won’t rush them, I won’t get up and start the dishes or get distracted. I will simply remain engaged. It really helps.
4. Turn on the music. We listen to more music during the summer, and it sets such a joyful mood in our household. Sometimes the kids start to unconsciously dance or sing, which is a clear signal of their summer ease. Our dinners feel more carefree with music — not just classical to calm everyone, but whatever Top 40 song the boys are into, or another round of “Old MacDonald” for my daughter.
5. Keep fresh food accessible. In the summertime it is easy: Fresh tomatoes, peaches and blackberries are at our fingertips and require no cooking to satisfy. They sit on the table and are plucked up by anyone anytime without guilt or argument. This practice doesn’t have to end with summer. In the fall, apples and pears can be at the ready, and other fresh, sliced vegetables can sit in the fridge waiting for snack time. Fresh feels good all year long.
Here’s to prolonging the Zen of summer.
Seidenberg is co-founder of Nourish Schools, a D.C.-based nutrition education company.
Reprints$('.infoButton').on( 'mouseenter', function(e){$(this).children().show();} ).on( 'mouseleave' , function(e){$(this).children().hide();} );Discussion Policy | FAQ | About DiscussionsLoading...CommentsAdd your comment Read what others are sayingAbout Badges SuperFan BadgeSuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.
More about badges | Request a badge Culture Connoisseur BadgeCulture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.
More about badges | Request a badge Fact Checker BadgeFact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.
More about badges | Request a badge Washingtologist BadgeWashingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.
More about badges | Request a badge Post Writer BadgeThis commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.
Post Forum BadgePost Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.
More about badges | Request a badge Weather Watcher BadgeWeather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.
More about badges | Request a badge World Watcher BadgeWorld Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.
More about badges | Request a badge Post Contributor BadgeThis commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.
More about badges | Request a badge Post RecommendedWashington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.
You must be logged in to report a comment.
Sign in hereYou must be logged in to recommend a comment.
Sign in hereComments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.
All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.
More about badgesGet a badgeTo pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.
Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers. SpamObsceneDuplicate .singular .echo-item-control-Share #newsharebar li .more {left: -565px;top: 10px;} Facebook Twitter Reddit StumbleUpon Digg Delicious Top lifestyle StoriesMost Popular Videos
Jeffrey Bezos, Washington Post’s next owner, aims for a new ‘golden era’ at the newspaperPaul Farhi 
Carolyn Hax: When is a crush more than a crush? Carolyn Hax 
Carolyn Hax: Husband’s anxiety, accusations lead wife to question herselfCarolyn Hax Miss Manners: Genealogy-mad niece may be greeted as royal painMiss Manners Names & Faces: Lance Bass, George Clooney, Beyonce Ask Amy: Teen wants to meet biological father, a violent bullyAmy Dickinson Names & Faces: Seth Meyers, Geraldo Rivera, Pippa MiddletonCarolyn Hax: Teen father had to grow up. Did he?Carolyn Hax Carolyn Hax: Keeping baby’s gender a secret; dealing with chronic painCarolyn Hax Carolyn Hax: He works all day so wants to relax before seeing his wife and babyCarolyn Hax In Dalarna, a bit of America in SwedenSteve Vickers Carolyn Hax: Revisiting an ‘unbalanced’ marriage that was anything butCarolyn Hax Lawyer leads charge against sexual assault in militaryMelinda Henneberger 
Schools try new strategies to battle college drinkingJenna Johnson Carolyn Hax: New parents who are miserableCarolyn Hax The kitchen of 2013: Experts dishJura Koncius Smarter Food: Does big farming mean bad farming?Jane Black ‘Duck Dynasty’: The family Robertson succeeds at reality by being realMary McNamara 
‘Rizzoli & Isles,’ ‘Famous Jett Jackson’ actor Lee Thompson Young dead at 29Max Ehrenfreund Nightlife Agenda: A new brewery, synth pop beats and a concert at the zooFritz Hahn The Post Most: LifestyleMost-viewed stories,videos, and galleries in the past two hoursMost PopularJeffrey Bezos, Washington Post's next owner, aims for a new 'golden era' at the newspaperCarolyn Hax: When is a crush more than a crush?Carolyn Hax: Husband's anxiety, accusations lead wife to question herselfMiss Manners: Genealogy-mad niece may be greeted as royal painNames & Faces: Lance Bass, George Clooney, Beyonce Top VideosChemical weapons horrify and persistAuto journalism creates words without writersDiana Nyad completes Cuba-to-Florida swimPanda cub continues to do wellOne-year-old shot in head in Brooklyn, diesTop GalleriesWhere Google goes to workNyad completes Cuba-to-Florida swimTommy Morrison, boxer and 'Rocky V' star, dies at 44Bold-face Washington homesNotable deaths of 2013 Post Newsletters & AlertsSign-up for e-mail newsletters and alerts and get the news you need delivered directly to your inbox. Going Out Guide: Dinner & DrinksGoing Out Guide: With The KidsAt HomeDC ScoutGoing Out GuideLean & FitMoviesTravelSee all Washington Post NewslettersThe Washington PostPoliticsOpinionsLocalSportsNationalWorldBusinessTechLifestyleEntertainmentPhotoVideoBlogsClassifieds More ways to get us Home delivery Mobile & Apps RSS Facebook Twitter Social Reader Newsletter & Alerts Washington Post Live Reprints & Permissions Post Store e-Replica Archive Contact Us Help & Contact Info Reader Representative Careers Digital Advertising Newspaper Advertising News Service & Syndicate About Us The Washington Post Company In the community PostPoints Newspaper in Education Digital Publishing Guidelines Partners Capital Business Capitol Deal El Tiempo Latino Express Find&Save Foreign Policy Washington Post Master Class Parade Magazine Washington Post Tickets The Root Service Alley Slate StudentAdvisor Trove WP Wine Club washingtonpost.com © 1996- The Washington Post Terms of Service Privacy PolicySubmissions and Discussion PolicyRSS Terms of Service Ad Choices Section:/lifestyle/wellness
No comments:
Post a Comment