When dinnertime comes around, turning a routine meal into a positive, engaging experience can make all the difference—especially for picky eaters or those lacking an appetite. Instead of a direct command, you can make it fun with little traditions like doodles on the table, light conversation starters, or themes that match holidays like National Pancake Day. I’ve found that introducing games from the Good and the Bad to a quick trivia turn keeps mealtimes exciting and memorable.
Sometimes a creative presentation, such as arranging food into shapes or faces on a plate, or letting kids enjoy doodling on paper while eating, can be more effective than force. For variety, try offering simple, appealing alternatives like quesadillas, omelets, or even a homemade omelet personalized with favorite ingredients—a trick I learned from reading Peanut Butter Runner.
Another approach is giving choice instead of issuing orders ask what their favorite part of tonight’s meal is or whether they’d prefer potatoes or carrots. You can create a restaurant setting where the child becomes the chef or waiter, giving them a sense of ownership and control. Build positive associations by pairing meals with pleasant activities like listening to music with family, which can foster warm feelings. Praise and encourage good behaviors like trying new foods, sitting politely, and avoiding a battle over eating. If there’s an issue, offer a healthy snack later rather than creating negative moments.
To keep it lively, use phrases like enjoy your dish, dig in, bon appétit, time to feast, let’s dine, or tuck into your supper. Adding an indulge-worthy moment of satisfaction, a mix of flavors, and genuine appreciation for the effort put into the culinary creation transforms the atmosphere of dining into something delightful—whether it’s a layered lasagna, a barbecue with ribs, or a home-cooked casserole served piping hot.
1. “Let’s fuel up with some yummy bites.”
Best use: Works great with younger kids who love playful language.
Not to use: When you’re trying to be formal or with teenagers who might roll their eyes.
Other ways to say: “Time to power up with food” / “Let’s charge our batteries.”
Example: “Hey buddy, let’s fuel up with some yummy bites before bedtime.”
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2. “It’s time to give our bodies some energy.”
Best use: Ideal for explaining the purpose of food in a caring, educational tone.
Not to use: If your child is already anxious about food or body talk.
Other ways to say: “Let’s energize ourselves” / “Food gives us strength.”
Example: “Come on, sweetheart, it’s time to give our bodies some energy for tomorrow’s fun.”
3. “Dinner’s ready—let’s dig in!”
Best use: Perfect for casual family dinners.
Not to use: At formal gatherings where playful phrases feel out of place.
Other ways to say: “Grab your forks, dinner’s here” / “Let’s eat!”
Example: “Dinner’s ready—let’s dig in before it gets cold.”
4. “Shall we taste the chef’s special tonight?”
Best use: Great when you want to make meals sound exciting.
Not to use: If you’re not in the mood for humor.
Other ways to say: “Try the house special” / “Tonight’s menu is delicious.”
Example: “Shall we taste the chef’s special spaghetti tonight?”
5. “Time to enjoy our family feast.”
Best use: Encourages togetherness at the table.
Not to use: When dinner is casual snacks, not a full meal.
Other ways to say: “Let’s share our meal” / “Our dinner time together starts now.”
Example: “Everyone, it’s time to enjoy our family feast.”
6. “Let’s fill our tummies with something good.”
Best use: Lovely for toddlers and young children.
Not to use: With adults—it might sound too childish.
Other ways to say: “Let’s get some good food inside us.”
Example: “Let’s fill our tummies with something good before we watch the movie.”
7. “Your plate is waiting for you.”
Best use: A gentle reminder that food is ready.
Not to use: If the person needs more motivation than a statement.
Other ways to say: “Dinner’s served” / “Your meal is ready.”
Example: “Come on, your plate is waiting for you at the table.”
8. “Shall we sit down and enjoy this together?”
Best use: Best for reinforcing family connection.
Not to use: If you’re calling someone who is in a rush.
Other ways to say: “Let’s eat as a family” / “Join me for dinner.”
Example: “Shall we sit down and enjoy this together?”
9. “Let’s see what flavors are waiting tonight.”
Best use: Encourages curiosity about food.
Not to use: If the meal is plain or leftovers.
Other ways to say: “Discover tonight’s taste” / “Let’s explore dinner.”
Example: “Let’s see what flavors are waiting tonight.”
10. “Dinner time is the best time—shall we start?”
Best use: Creates a positive association with dinner.
Not to use: When someone is already in a bad mood.
Other ways to say: “Dinner time is our happy time.”
Example: “Dinner time is the best time—shall we start together?”
11. “Let’s make our forks dance.”
Best use: Playful phrase for young kids.
Not to use: At a formal dinner.
Other ways to say: “Let’s have fun with our food.”
Example: “Come on, let’s make our forks dance on the plate.”
12. “Your dinner is calling your name.”
Best use: Lighthearted way to call someone to eat.
Not to use: When someone is stressed—it may sound silly.
Other ways to say: “The food is waiting” / “Dinner’s calling.”
Example: “Pasta is calling your name from the kitchen!”
13. “Shall we enjoy some bites before the food gets shy?”
Best use: Makes picky eaters smile.
Not to use: With adults or serious eaters.
Other ways to say: “Eat before it gets cold.”
Example: “Come on, shall we enjoy some bites before the food gets shy?”
14. “It’s time to treat our taste buds.”
Best use: Works well when introducing new meals.
Not to use: If the meal is very plain.
Other ways to say: “Let’s give our taste buds a party.”
Example: “It’s time to treat our taste buds with this curry.”
15. “Dinner’s waiting for us to enjoy it.”
Best use: Calming and gentle reminder.
Not to use: In high-energy situations.
Other ways to say: “The meal is ready for us.”
Example: “Dinner’s waiting for us to enjoy it—let’s sit down.”
16. “Let’s gather around the table.”
Best use: Perfect for family bonding moments.
Not to use: When food is being served individually elsewhere.
Other ways to say: “Let’s all come together for dinner.”
Example: “Everyone, let’s gather around the table for dinner.”
17. “Shall we give this meal a try?”
Best use: Encourages picky eaters to try.
Not to use: If the person is already full.
Other ways to say: “Want to taste this?”
Example: “Shall we give this meal a try together?”
18. “Our dinner adventure begins now.”
Best use: Playful phrase for kids.
Not to use: When time is short.
Other ways to say: “Food adventure time” / “Let’s explore dinner.”
Example: “Our dinner adventure begins now—grab your spoon.”
19. “This plate is full of love—let’s enjoy it.”
Best use: When you’ve cooked with care.
Not to use: If the food is store-bought and casual.
Other ways to say: “A plate made with love” / “Enjoy the care in this meal.”
Example: “This plate is full of love—let’s enjoy it together.”
20. “It’s time to fill our tanks.”
Best use: Fun phrase for both kids and adults.
Not to use: If the person is sensitive about food talk.
Other ways to say: “Let’s refuel” / “Fuel time.”
Example: “Everyone, it’s time to fill our tanks before the movie.”
21. “Dinner is our little pause button.”
Best use: Helps slow down a busy day.
Not to use: When everyone is in a rush.
Other ways to say: “Dinner is our break time.”
Example: “Dinner is our little pause button—let’s press it now.”
22. “Your taste buds are in for a treat.”
Best use: Excites kids or guests.
Not to use: If the food is bland.
Other ways to say: “A tasty surprise awaits.”
Example: “Your taste buds are in for a treat tonight!”
23. “Let’s make dinner the highlight of the day.”
Best use: Reinforces the joy of family meals.
Not to use: If everyone is grumpy.
Other ways to say: “Dinner is our special moment.”
Example: “Let’s make dinner the highlight of the day.”
24. “Food’s ready—who’s hungry?”
Best use: Simple and friendly reminder.
Not to use: If someone isn’t hungry—it can annoy.
Other ways to say: “Dinner’s ready” / “Meal time!”
Example: “Food’s ready—who’s hungry?”
25. “Let’s celebrate dinner time together.”
Best use: Creates a festive tone for daily meals.
Not to use: If it’s a quick bite, not a meal.
Other ways to say: “Dinner is our celebration.”
Example: “Let’s celebrate dinner time together as a family.”
Conclusion
Sometimes, it’s not what we say, but how we say it that makes all the difference at the dinner table. Replacing the plain “eat your dinner” with creative, warm, and caring alternatives can turn meals into moments of connection rather than battles. As a parent myself, I’ve found that even small changes in language—like calling dinner an “adventure” or a “family feast”—shift the energy from resistance to excitement.
Experiment with these phrases, notice which ones resonate with your family, and remember that mealtime is more than eating—it’s about bonding, laughter, and love.
Editor’s Picks: 10 Favorite Alternatives
- “Let’s fuel up with some yummy bites.”
- “Dinner’s ready—let’s dig in!”
- “Shall we taste the chef’s special tonight?”
- “Let’s fill our tummies with something good.”
- “Your dinner is calling your name.”
- “It’s time to treat our taste buds.”
- “Our dinner adventure begins now.”
- “This plate is full of love—let’s enjoy it.”
- “Dinner is our little pause button.”
- “Let’s celebrate dinner time together.”
