Family Dinner Time Builds Deep Connections

Is it just me, or does family dinner time seem to be a lost tradition? I often wonder how our lives have changed so significantly compared to just a few decades ago. Gathering the family for time together in the evening can seem like an impossible task for many busy households.  Is this something we should be concerned about?

Yes. But it’s not about dinner necessarily. That time together encompasses deeper connection, mindfulness, and good nutrition. I think there is a misconception that it’s most important to families with kids, but I believe it is important to all types of families, with or without kids.

Let’s consider what happens when we sit at the table together. In my house, phones get put away. It is a time to be present, which is a challenge in our day-to-day routines. When we are present, we begin to relax our mind and bodies. When we are relaxed, we are better able to connect with those around us. 

My family chooses to use prayer to express gratitude. Through this experience, we are able to be more mindful about the nutrition we are feeding our bodies. During this time, conversation skills and manners are practiced. Again, an important opportunity for not just children, but for adults, as well.

So, what gets in the way? Our busy lives! What is going on in our schedules that is more important than the things listed above? It’s almost a bad habit we have fallen into as a society.

How do we fix it? First, we must value this time together and then we must prioritize it.  

Try these strategies to start bringing back family dinner.

• Commit to one or a few nights. If your family is not in the practice of having sit-down dinners, trying to make it happen seven nights a week might not be realistic. Think about which nights are slower to allow the transition to happen most naturally.
• Make it fun. Get creative. Maybe you rotate who cooks or what type of cuisine you are serving. Consider getting cards that present random questions everyone takes turns answering to stimulate conversation. Or ask everyone to share one positive thing about their day and maybe something challenging they faced.  
• Be willing to make sacrifices and expect others in the family to, as well. You can’t always do it all. If you want to add a new routine to your schedule, you likely need to eliminate something else. What are you willing to let go of to prioritize this time with your family?  

Despite knowing all the benefits, I will admit I don’t practice it perfectly myself, but I strive to do the best I can. This summer is a great time to try it out for yourself. Just remember, strive for practice, not perfection!

https://www.pamperyourmind.com/

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