Commit to Eating at the Kitchen Table as a Family

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If your home is like many, there is a constant flow of activity from morning till night. On top of work schedules, you have soccer practice, dance classes, play dates, and countless other things to juggle on any given day. So, it is easy to fall in the habit of letting everyone eat wherever they please. That may mean at the table while also doing homework, in front of the TV, or even in a hurry at the kitchen counter. Sadly, this causes you to miss out on valuable bonding time where everyone can connect and catch up. You don’t have to eat together every night, but pick at least one evening a week where everyone will gather together, with no excuses.

OK, this is not the kitchen table. I oddly don’t have photos of that! LOL

Benefits

• Keep Lines of Communication Open – As children age, it can be challenging to keep the lines of communication open. A child who once told you everything now has nothing but one word answers to your questions. Sometimes, you might only get a head nod. It is also common for couples to drift apart, which can cause problems in their relationship. Your weekly dinner gives everyone a chance to share events of the week.

• Encourages Mindful Eating – If your children are active then obesity may not be a concern. However, eating unhealthy food filled with GMOs and artificial ingredients is damaging the body in ways you can’t visibly see. Encourage healthy eating habits that will stick with your children through adulthood. Plus, you notice when you are full when you sit at a table. It is easy to overeat while watching TV because you’re not really paying attention to the amount of food you’re consuming.

Make it Exciting

Creating the right environment will make your family dinners exciting. Set the table and use a different centerpiece every time. You can go to the craft store and make some for next to nothing. Even a bowl of lemons can be a nice “twist.” Add a wall water feature to create a soothing environment, so no one is anxious to devour their food and head out the door. You can order one from stores like SoothingWalls.com.

Lastly, make a rule that no electronic devices are welcome at the table. You may hear some groans, but the only way everyone will join in the conversation is if no one has their nose stuck to a smartphone or tablet. This includes the adults at the table, too!