What is your greatest goal? The answer would be different for all of us. However, there would probably be a common thread and it would have something to do with family. A happy family is something we all want. No matter what your day looks like, whether you work part time, full time, or stay at home, we all do what we do for family. There are many ways to contribute to a happy family, but one of the most important is to schedule family dinner time.
The statistics are astounding on the positive benefits of family dinnertime. I don’t like adding “one more thing” to the ever-increasing to-do list, but this is one activity that will reap immediate and long-term rewards. Family dinner time boosts social, emotional and physical aspects of your family life. Still need some motivation?
Benefits of Family Dinner Time
1. Communication
Although it might not happen the first 3 nights you start this new tradition, you will see better communication within your family sitting around a table opposed to using trays and watching television. You would be surprised at what kids open up about while eating. Eating is a comfortable, relaxed setting and we tend to put our guard down. If the conversation is slow, make a jar of questions that family members can pull out and ask each other. That’s sure to get some chatter going!
2. Promotes Healthy Eating
Parents can get a better idea of what their kids eat and don’t eat and how to promote healthier eating. Family dinner time also helps kids try a variety of foods they normally wouldn’t when the family eats separated. For instance, when we have “DIY” night because I’m sick or gone, etc. Our kids end up eating microwavable food. When we eat as a family, they eat the foods my husband and I enjoy. Grudgingly, but they still eat.
3. Reduces Risky Behaviors
If kids know they have to sit down and look their parent’s in the eyes every night, it impacts their decisions. This also goes back to the communication part. Family dinner is a great time to have conversations about your family’s expectations and standards for behavior.
4. Less Stress
When families are built on a foundation of togetherness, one that occurs multiple times a week, this bond will help weather the storms that do come for every family. It is an opportunity to build trust and relationships. To laugh, connect and have important conversations with each other.
Family dinner time is meant to be the time of day that we all sit down at the end of a hectic day, hide our cell phones and grow together emotionally and spiritually. In our dining room, we made the sign, “Tomorrow Matters” to remind us of our dedication to family dinner. When you as parents place this above all else, children will notice. Your table will become a sacred place of cherished memories and a place where dreams are nurtured.
Author, Trainer, Life Organizer®
Melinda Smith, CPO® organizes and executes action plans, training, and consulting. Great referrals are business owners, executives, and companies looking for sustainable change. Above all, she can help create a more productive work, a happy home, and a prosperous you.
Especially relevant is the fact that Melinda has worked with companies and individuals for over 20 years. Conducting workshops across the East Coast, they include over 60 cities in 19 states. Equally important focus topics include Strategic Thinking, Teambuilding, and Organization. As well as Balance Strategies, Stress Management, and Embracing Change.
After all, Melinda was one of the first 200 in the nation to achieve a Certified Professional Organizer status. In addition, she is also a graduate of the Western School of Feng Shui (pronounced feng shway).
Melinda has owned Balance & Harmony 360², Inc., since 2003. She is also the author of The Complete Guide for Balance & Harmony OWL Kit. In addition, this kit consists of a book, workbook, and F.O.C.U.S. Journal as well as five products to help organize Work, Home, and You.
Finally, please check out our company with the links below…
Melinda’s training, books, consulting, advising, and speaking options, as well as where to purchase, visit:
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https://plus.google.com/117432847278066142434
https://www.linkedin.com/in/balanceharmony360
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