Family Meals
One of the fondest memories I have from my childhood happened while we were all sitting at the table having a meal together. It was a few weeks before Christmas and my father asked us to go around the table and tell him what we wanted for Christmas. My youngest brother, who was maybe 4 or 5 at the time, proceeded to get up from his chair and literally walked around the table while he talked and told our father what he wanted from Santa! It was so funny for the rest of us that he took the directions so literally, but he didn’t care. That was what he was told to do and he did it!
I’d have to say that many a memory was made at that dinner table and many a bad day was made better by all of the conversation and interaction amongst everyone. With 5 children, my parents had their work cut out for them in finding a time where we could all have dinner together daily. It didn’t happen everyday, but it happened more often than not. It was important to them, so they made it happen.
Having meals together as a family instigates conversation that would not have occurred otherwise. With everyone at the table together, it’s a good time to discuss anything that is going on in the family or to simply enjoy one another’s company. It’s a great time to ask your children how their days were, what they learned and what is coming up in their lives that they are looking forward to. In this setting, they don’t feel like you are putting them on the spot or quizzing them. They can come to expect that conversation if you make it a habit. By showing this interest in what they have going on, you are showing them that the choices they make are important and meaningful. So many youth today are looking for love an acceptance anywhere they can find it because they are not getting it at home. Don’t ever give your children reason to look elsewhere for that acceptance they so strongly desire.
So, grab your calendars and sit down with your children to schedule a common time daily to have your dinner or breakfast meals together. The time will be well spent and you’ll be making lasting memories and stronger relationships.
