Traditionally, family dinners are opportunities for parents and children to relax and talk about the day’s events. Still, with increasingly busy schedules, many Americans do not sit down for mealtimes that are free of distractions and that include engaging
conversation. Family dinners allow parents and children to bond, form traditions and learn more about each other. Stronger relationships, trust and communication are the results of regularly scheduled family involvement. Here are four quick steps to make a difference at dinnertime:
Plan the menu. Having regularly scheduled family dinners does take effort. Start out by planning three family dinners a week. Involve each family member in the menu selection. Buy all necessary ingredients at the beginning of the week. Children will often eat more if they are assisting during the cooking process. Homemade pizza, grilled cheese and tomato soup, and tacos are simple meals that children can help assemble.
Set the mood. Family dinners can be creative yet also serve as learning experiences. In the summer, plan a dinner picnic at a local park or even on the back deck. During the winter, end dinner with a treat by making s’mores at the fireplace. Though not necessary at every meal, fresh flowers, cloth napkins and name cards can turn an uncomplicated meal into an exciting dinner party. When children are setting the table, teach them proper mealtime etiquette, including the proper placements of napkins and utensils at a table setting. Add candles, light music and decorations for ambience.
Avoid distractions. Make it a rule to turn off all televisions. Make sure that all family members understand that phone calls and text messaging at the dinner table are not allowed. Avoid interruptions by not allowing phones at the dinner table. Set a specific time for the start of dinner and stick with the time so that family dinners are part of the everyday routine.
Enjoy conversation and games. Don’t reprimand bad behavior, talk about grades or bring up other topics that can leave a child or teenager feeling uncomfortable. Many families start out dinner with a small prayer. Other families tell a joke to set a light, humorous mood for the evening. Liven up the atmosphere by learning about each person’s day. Ask questions such as “What the best thing that happened in your day?” and “What is something that you wish would have gone differently?” Invite everyone to describe their day using three adjectives or as a newspaper headline. Some families pass around serving dishes family style. Designate one dish, and as the dish is passed, the person holding the dish must say something positive about the person to his or her left. Inviting guests to dinner is a great way to bond with friends and include new facets of conversation.
Continue family activities after dinner by planning an activity together, such as a bike ride or walk to the park. If dinnertime is inconvenient, plan regularly scheduled family breakfasts, brunches or evening desserts. With children, not every family meal will be perfect, but the traditions built and stories shared will be well worth the effort. For additional tips and ideas, visit www.casafamilyday.org, a Web site designed around families enjoying dinners together.
To learn more about how to build a kitchen to fit your family’s lifestyle and budget, call Joliet Cabinet at 815-727-4096 or e-mail info@jolietcabinet.com.