When the girls were young, I used to read aloud to them during meals. Perhaps because we were alone and they weren’t yet the greatest conversationalist? Perhaps to keep them in their chairs for long enough to get a few calories into their growing bodies? I’m not sure exactly why I did it or why I stopped.

The other day, I opened a box holding a great new book, The Quiet Place, right as I was putting breakfast on the table for the girls. I was so excited to read it that I sat right down and began. As I read, Katherine managed to eat about four times as many pancakes as she usually eats before heading out the door to school.

I’m so glad that I have brought back this practice. And with just the perfect book I was reminded of the power of a quiet place for a picky eater.