Family Dinners
After-school activities, late workdays, it's no wonder few families eat dinner together. No matter how crazy busy your lives are try and find a mealtime ritual that works for your family as studies show that the family dinner hour is an important part of healthy living.
Family dinners can be a loving predictable routine that make kids feel safe and cherished. It's wonderful to know there is something you can always count on, even when there's so much unpredictability and change in our fast paced lives.
Don't let this mission feel daunting! Even the simplest meals -- like order-in pizza -- qualify as family dinners. The goal is to get everyone to the dinner table and to spend quality time together.
Start off by setting a goal. Maybe twice a week to start off with and then build from there. Try and keep it simple as family meals don't have to be elaborate. Get the family involved. Let kids help prepare meals and set the table. Make it enjoyable and try leaving the serious discussions for another time. Family meals are for nourishment, comfort, and support.
Most importantly, no TV allowed and no phones answered! This is time for listening to each other, sharing the day's stories, and reconnecting with the family.
Family dinners can be a loving predictable routine that make kids feel safe and cherished. It's wonderful to know there is something you can always count on, even when there's so much unpredictability and change in our fast paced lives.
Don't let this mission feel daunting! Even the simplest meals -- like order-in pizza -- qualify as family dinners. The goal is to get everyone to the dinner table and to spend quality time together.
Start off by setting a goal. Maybe twice a week to start off with and then build from there. Try and keep it simple as family meals don't have to be elaborate. Get the family involved. Let kids help prepare meals and set the table. Make it enjoyable and try leaving the serious discussions for another time. Family meals are for nourishment, comfort, and support.
Most importantly, no TV allowed and no phones answered! This is time for listening to each other, sharing the day's stories, and reconnecting with the family.