Just returning from Japan on holiday with my husband, 4 and 1-year-old. It was an amazing trip, full of new experiences and adventures. It was also extremely hard work. My husband and I were working overtime to keep the kids safe in crowds, quiet in restaurants, and entertained.
We really ended up revolving our trip around them, as while we wanted to sightsee and look at temples, they could care less. So the anime, toy vending machines and the neon lights of Shinjuku suited them perfectly (although we had to keep a tight grip in those crowds).
Every meal time was a harrowing experience and more often than not, there were no high chairs. We took turns holding our toddler James in one arm and with the other arm trying to eat.
Many noodles were slurped awkwardly in this way over precariously hot bowls of broth, while the baby slurped them too, and flung them around the table by the handfuls and all down his front.
I am sure one day we will look back and laugh.
Like most parents we over packed. So scared of not having supplies or the right footwear, we were laden down with a baby carrier, pram, jackets, hats, shoes and toys.
By far the most useful items we brought were D.Line chopsticks. They truly saved our necks in more ways than one. Each night when we went out for dinner, the chopsticks were my go-to when the atmosphere turned sour.
We generally seemed to have 10-15 minutes of calm in a restaurant before the octopus arms made an appearance – knocking over the soy sauce or other tiny bowls, intense wriggling, shouting, whining or tantrums began. I learned I could make the chopsticks dance, sing and talk to each other the table right at that crucial moment. Genius move!
These chopsticks made mealtime fun and with less mess!
The chopsticks cleverly hold the ends together, making using them for the first time a cinch. I know my 4-year-old felt special being able to use his sticks just like the adults. We received many laughs and endearing smiles whenever they came out. They come in several colours and choice of boy or girl.
Click here to view the D.Line Beginners Kids Chopsticks
About the Author:
Becky Gilhespie is a food writer and former Masterchef semi-finalist. She is currently volunteering regularly in the kitchen at Matt Moran’s restaurant ARIA, having chosen to do on the job training instead of enrolling at culinary school. Becky is a recipe writer and product tester for many household name brands via
Everten (Australia’s largest online kitchenware retailer), and her own food blog,
www.eatwhatweeat.com focusses on family friendly meals with the wow factor that are healthy, fast and simple to prepare.
Becky is originally from the US but lived in London for 15 years and now resides in Sydney with her husband and two little boys. Her food is inspired a lot by her travels (and desire to travel more).
