Our days are busy. Am I right? I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. Johnny has baseball practice, little Suzie has gymnastics, Mom has aerobics class and Dad has a meeting. Our families are going this way and that, like ships passing in the night. Before long, we become strangers living under the same roof.

The issue has as many layers as an onion, but one important way we can regain some unity as a family is by purposing to spend one hour eating dinner together every night. Our family dinner hour is one of our most precious times! We share what happened that day with each other. We talk about our victories, exciting news, our disappointments… anything and everything. It is a special time of bonding that we have committed to make a priority. If we don’t make it a priority, it can slip away between all the loud urgent activities that call our attention.

Once you purpose to have dinner together as a family every night, there are many things you can do to make the time special and to make it the most anticipated hour of the day! The meals do not need to be elaborate. We’re not cooking a Thanksgiving dinner every night, folks! Dinner can be as simple as grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. But, planning the meal is important. Don’t allow a rushed, thrown together meal to distract from the relaxed and happy atmosphere of dinner time.

Make the dinner table a happy place where everyone is free to talk and share. Do not use this time to argue, air grievances, or scold the children. Those conversations should be saved for another time. Everyone should feel free to share what’s on their hearts. If you have a quiet child, draw him out with open ended questions. It won’t take long before everyone is chattering and contributing to the family conversation.

Other little touches can be simple to do but have a big impact on the atmosphere of the table. A special centerpiece is a nice touch. You can have a vase of cut flowers from the yard in spring, a bowl of lemons, or a certain pair of salt and pepper shakers you only bring out for dinner. Some nice placemats and cloth napkins make a warm and inviting table. A special dessert or other thoughtful gesture can make your family feel important, connected and loved.

The family dinner hour is a valuable time for reaching the hearts of your children and keeping those hearts. It is one small thing that can knit the heart of a family together, keep the lines of communication open, and let family members know very important they are to you!

I would encourage you to bring your family home for dinner tonight and every night. It’s an investment in the ones you love that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Categories: Opinion
Tags: dinner, family