It's all about the spin

As someone who makes a living by communicating, I know that choice of words can either be the kiss of death or the Midas touch.

When my kids ask what's for dinner and I say "leftovers," I get responses that range from:

Yuck! I didn't like it the first time! to Can I just have cereal for dinner?

But tonight, when I opened the refrigerator and saw one piece of lasagna, four hot dogs and one philly cheese sub, I had an aha! moment.

I fired up the toaster oven to heat up the sub, which was big enough to serve two people. Then I microwaved the lasagna, two of the hot dogs, and a package of steam-in-the-bag veggies. I fixed five different plates, each with an entree and veggie, and set them in the middle of the table.

"Dinner!" I called.

"What is it?" they asked.

Get ready for the spin...here it comes...

"It's Pick a Plate night!"

And do you know there were absolutely no complaints, no suggestions for an alternate menu, nothing but the wonderful sound of happy little eaters (almost) cleaning their plates!

Advantage, (Spin) Doctor Mom.