FAMILY DINNERS
By Claire Marketos
In today’s hectic world it can be difficult to find the time for the family to all come together. Dad gets home after the children have gone to bed, and youngsters are eating their dinner in front of the television. Communication in the house is hurried and often argumentative and everyone is feeling tired and stressed. So how do you reconnect with your children and improve communication?
You schedule connection time in your day, the same way you schedule extra murals or bath time. Having a family dinner even three times a week where you all sit down at the dining room table to eat with no distractions, is a great way to facilitate conversation with your children and should provide a safe forum for them to express their feelings. Youngsters don't always want to talk about their day when you pick them up from school, but will be eager to tell you their news while having supper.
Ask them questions, but try to avoid getting into arguments. Listen attentively and acknowledge their feelings. Use this time as an opportunity to teach effective problem solving techniques, by debating the possible outcomes to a problem. Allow your child to decide based on the discussion as to the best possible solution to a problem.
Having dinner together can also be a great way to introduce new foods and to model good table manners and eating habits. Be upbeat about foods the children don't want to eat by encouraging rather than forcing them to eat those foods.
Getting together as a family for breakfast can be an option if you find it difficult to meet for dinner, but set aside enough time for relaxation and conversation. If the children are feeling rushed they are unlikely to open up.
Eating together is a wonderful way to strengthen your family, and you will be amazed at the things you will learn from your children. HAPPY EATING!
Published in (Mum's Mail, October, 2008)