As long as Rinn has been able to sit in the highchair and was awake when we ate - she has sat at the table with us. I couldnt tell you how old she was when we started it. We have one of those Stokke highchairs - and it has been the best investment.

We eat after I finish work - unless she is having a bad day and dinner needs to be earlier - and that is understandable.
She enjoys this time as much as we do!

I dont understand where your mother is coming from "making her grow up"
Blah!