With all of us living busier lives than ever, family dinners have unfortunately become less of a priority. However, bringing back the tradition of regularly sitting down to share a meal together can provide immeasurable benefits that strengthen family bonds. This article explores creative ways busy families can reclaim the art of meaningful time around the dinner table.
The Benefits of Family Meals
Studies consistently demonstrate the positive impact of regular family dinners. Children who eat meals with their families do better in school, exhibit less risky behaviour, and have higher self-esteem. Additional benefits for kids include:
• Enhanced vocabulary and communication skills from dinner conversation
• Improved academic performance from time spent together without distractions
• Higher intake of nutrients from eating healthy homemade foods
Family meals also provide advantages for parents and the family dynamic:
• A chance to disconnect from technology and truly connect with each other
• Time to share details about each other’s lives and offer guidance
• Establishing important family traditions and rituals
• Instilling values and modelling manners and etiquette
• Making meals an opportunity for teamwork and shared responsibility
With the many advantages family dinners offer, bringing back this tradition is well worth the effort.
Making it Happen
Incorporating regular family dinners requires some planning and priority shifting. Busy families can make it work with a few simple changes:
• Make meals part of your weekly routine like any other important commitment. Mark dinner times on the calendar.
• Get kids involved in meal planning and preparation based on their ages. Make a grocery list together.
• Turn off all devices during dinner to minimise distractions and enable conversation.
• Assign tasks like setting the table to get kids engaged.
• Share light-hearted discussion prompts and ask engaging questions about each other’s days.
• Stay positive by avoiding scolding and arguments. Set house rules like no complaining.
• Make accommodations to timing when necessary. Quick meals together are better than none.
Getting Creative
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your family dinner routines. Consider mixing it up with:
• Themed dinner nights
• Daddy-daughter or Mummy-son dates: Let each parent enjoy one-on-one time.
• Outdoor picnics for a change of scenery
• Kids’ choice meals: Let them pick favourite dishes
• Cultural cuisine nights: Explore new flavours and traditions
The more fun and engaging family dinners are, the more likely kids are to participate if you foster children with an agency like Fosterplus.
Overcoming Obstacles
You may face challenges to implementing regular family meals. Try these tips for overcoming common obstacles:
• Picky eaters – Offer choices and involve them in preparing their preferred foods. Praise trying new things.
• Busy schedules – Prioritise dinners over extracurriculars. Eat before events or meet half-way with a picnic at games.
• Teen resistance – Respect their growing independence but explain the importance of family meals. Let them invite friends occasionally.
• Fussy young kids – Time meals for when they are happiest. Provide toys and give positive reinforcement for good manners.
• Work demands – Advocate for an earlier leave time if possible. Get help prepping meals in advance on weekends.
• Tight budget – Plan affordable meals like casseroles, pasta dishes, tacos and slow cooker meals. Shop sales and buy generic brands.
Reaping the Rewards
With commitment and creativity, families can overcome any obstacles. Setting aside sacred time for sharing a meal will become a beloved ritual. Children will build self-esteem, parents will reconnect amidst busy lives, and new traditions will form at the family table.
