Poem For Kids Who Won't Stop Playing

My son has a great imagination, and once he starts playing it can be hard to get him to stop and come to the table. I wrote this poem in a strong, rhythmic call-and-response style, inspired by the back-and-forth many parents recognise at mealtimes. The poem features food and dishes from Southeast Asia.
I'm an Australian teacher and writer living in Thailand. On weekends, you'll usually find me crafting cardboard wands or baking chocolate cake with my children.

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Time To Eat

Published by Family Friend Poems February 2, 2026 with permission of the Author.

'Jammykins, Jammykins, time to wake up.
Breakfast is ready, it's eggs in a cup.'

'Mummykins, Mummykins, no I'm alright,
I'm packing my bag to go fly a new kite.'

'Jammykins, Jammykins, now it's lunchtime.
Come eat your Pad Thai with peanuts and lime.'

'Mummykins, Mummykins, no food for me,
I'm dancing with fairies beneath the old tree.'

'Jammykins, Jammykins, it is so hot,
cendol with red bean will hit the right spot.'

'Mummykins, Mummykins, not right now, please,
I'm building a rocket to zoom past the seas.'

'Jammykins, Jammykins, it's six o'clock.
Dinner is bok choy with crispy pork hock.'

'Mummykins, Mummykins, no I can't eat,
I'm painting a dragon with scaly green feet.'

'Jammykins, Jammykins, let's go to bed,
into your peejays, lay down your sweet head.'

'Mummykins, Mummykins, don't close the door,
my tummy is hungry, it's hard to ignore!'

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