The Secret Ingredient
The Power of the Family Table
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The Power of the Family Table
Much of a parent’s work in families with more than one child is teaching them to respect one another. In stepfamilies, I’ve learned meals together are a fundamental peacekeeping force, a way of getting everyone to understand each other, share daily experiences and points of view, and that the more times we sit together and break bread, the greater the chance to understand and accommodate each other—even if that sometimes means squabbles, tears or frustrations. How we conduct and resolve dinnertime conflicts are vital life lessons.
We love a good motto in the Bryce family—ours is ‘Take Heart’. It’s so optimistic and reassuring—it’s also a call to be courageous when things are difficult and to remember that on the other side of hard times life is wonderful. The coat of arms has a deer with a wattle sprig in its hoof. The wattle symbolises Australia, there’s a doctoral cap for Mum, the compass and protractor is for my architect father, the five stars represent the kids, and the cross of St Andrew refers to our Scottish heritage.
Meals and togetherness are one of the things that fortify us when we are having a bad time. Childhood is a roller-coaster of emotions: challenges; hormones; heartbreaks; good and bad days in the playground, sports field or during social hangouts; exam ups and downs, bereavements, triumphs, injuries, crushes and convalescences. It’s hard to predict when the kids will open up and talk, and sometimes as parents we hear about the disappointments or hurt…
Sense of Place: Chloe Shorten, the family table
Laughter, tears, memories both good and bad can be traced back to the family table.
ABC Blueprint for LivingChloe Shorten makes a meal of family time
She may not cook a souffle "without wrinkling a suit" like her mum Dame Quentin Bryce but Chloe Shorten, wife of federal opposition leader Bill, sure can cook.
Benita Kolovos | AAPThe Secret Ingredient launches
Chloe Shorten says the philosophy of the book is not to cook the perfect meal, but to not be scared away from cooking because it won't be perfect and pleasing everyone is tough. Launching the book with her is home cooking superstar Stephanie Alexander and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
The Australian