Trying to balance life is not easy. Everyone in the family has somewhere to be and something to do. Trying to get together for mealtime can be almost impossible. It’s really tempting just to throw a quick meal on the table for the small children and let all the older kids and the adults "fend for themselves."
However, the family dinner has long been an important part of life as a family unit – and it still is. They say that a family that eats together tends to stay together. That may or may not be completely true, however, it is true that families that make the time for family meals communicate more and create memories together.
With some effort family meals can become the highlight of your family’s day. It’s a time to sit down and relax. You’re able to kick back and know that you’re among those who won’t judge you (ok, your teenager may judge you, but that’s just part of having a teen.) Each family member can share what happened in their day, and children will often speak up about what’s on their mind during the quiet, calm atmosphere of the family dinner.
This is a great time to share your beliefs and values in an indirect and non-threatening way. Adult conversation is good for children because they can hear the give and take of social interaction. They pick up on what issues are important to you and they learn your perspectives and values various topics. You can listen to your children’s thoughts and accomplishments and offer encouragement – or just a listening ear.
You can make sure family meals stay enjoyable for everyone by avoiding discussion of stressful topics and above all, avoid scolding children at the table! If there are important discipline issues that need to be discusses with your child or teen, wait until after supper. Help them learn that the dinner table is a happy, relaxed place.
You don’t need to try and force conversation with your children during family meals. Often things will come up naturally, they’ll ask questions or make statements you can respond to. Don’t feel like you need to spend the entire time focused on the kids, either. As I mentioned above, it’s good for children and teens to hear adult conversation. Listening to those topics can really benefit them and help them learn about the art of conversation.
If time is really short you can begin building up to family meals slowly. Even once a week is better than never! But as it comes time to change your evening schedule again, make the family dinner a priority. There are sometimes when you won’t be able to avoid interruptions – say if you have a high schooler playing a Varsity sport. But balance those extracurricular activities, especially for your young children, with the importance of having a strong family.
Make the meals fun and enjoyable. Plan fun meals at first to get everyone excited. Pizza is an all-time favorite for family gatherings. You can work together to make pizza, or get a frozen pizza or order a few to be delivered. You can finish up with ice cream. Or pop popcorn and enjoy a family movie. In the summer months you can use the grill to have easy-to-clean and fun family meals.
Work hard to get a family meal in however you can. Even enjoying a family breakfast together works! Many families find breakfast is the only time they can have together, and that can be perfect. Just get together and enjoy the time that you can spend together talking, listening, and laughing.
Kristen has been writing articles for over 4 years. Come visit her latest website about selecting a wood high chair; it helps people find the highest quality (and easiest to clean) chairs and sturdy wooden restaurant high chair models available for their bouncing baby.
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