It's Not About The Food
How many days a week do you eat together as a family? I grew up with a stay-at-home mom who pinched every penny. We ate every meal together unless my brother and I were at school. Eating out for my family happened about twice a year. Fast forward into today’s busy mainstream America. Most of us are running from place to place, and the children are often on their own to find food. Grabbing some cereal for supper and going into their room or sitting in front of the television is considered normal in this day. Eating together as a family is still as important now as it was then. Yes, it’s more difficult with after school activities and/or work, but it can be and should be done.
Family meal time is a moment in a busy day to connect as a family, learn about how each other’s day went, and bond together. There are numerous benefits for children who share in the family dining experience at the kitchen table. A family who cooks together even has greater experiences. Learning basic cooking and communication skills are just a couple of benefits. According to a research study by the University of Florida, families who dine together at the dinner table are better adjusted, family bonds are stronger, eat more nutritional meals, are less likely to be overweight, and are not as likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs.
Things to consider when planning your meal time:
- Eating in front of the television, although together, does not promote communication.
- Picking up fast food and eating at the dinner table, does not promote nutritious meals.
Here are some tips to get the whole family at the dinner table:
- Make meal time a priority. Set regular meal times and let everyone know what time dinner will be and that they must be home.
- Start small. If the family is not used to eating together, plan two or three days per week and increase more as time goes on.
- Make family meals fun by allowing the children or teens to help plan and prepare the meals. Of course, the parents will have the final say what the menu will be, but allowing the other members of the family to participate can create a fun environment.
- Keep conversation light and humorous while at the dinner table. No criticizing of each other allowed. Creating a positive environment will lead to healthy communication.
- Eliminate distractions like television and cell phones.
- Be a good role model by showing children good table manners and etiquette.
- Eat slowly, because this is an opportunity to spend precious family time together. It’s not about the food, it’s about the family.
This week, plan family time together with food at the kitchen table. You’ll be amazed at the fun conversations that arise and the close bonding that occurs. No, it won’t solve every family dispute or problem, but it will give a foundation to which can grow and become strong.
Health-bite: It’s not about the food, it’s about the family
Time Away
"Everybody needs a little time away...." as the song goes. So true. How on earth did pioneer women do it? There was no grocery store, microwave, washer/dryer, or vacuum cleaner. I'm imagining they were responsible for caring for the children, household, meals, and probably fighting off an Indian or two. Now that's work!.
In comparison, my life should be easier, and in many ways it is. While I do enjoy modern conveniences, I think in general, American women are overbooked. Knowing the washer and dryer will take care of those chores, we can schedule something else in that space, like going to work, pay bills, washing the dog..... Since fast food is easy to pick up, we can schedule something in the time it would normally need to prepare nutritious foods, like taking the kids to practice or games. I think we are probably busiernow than our pioneer sisters. Why else would we need a vacation?
With the demands of work life, home life, and personal life, it's easy to get run down. Carving out a time each day can help. Each morning, I rise in anticipation for my quiet time. It's a time when everyone else in the house is sleeping (except the dogs who will cuddle up beside me in my chair.) I make coffee, grab my IPad and read my devotions. This quiet time is an essential part of my day. My Type A personallity doesn't sit still very well and it's something I struggle with. Having made this my morning a routine, I can start my day with a clearer mind and a focus on what lies ahead.
Some families take an annual vacation. Vacation is an opportunity to break the cycle of busyness, relax and enjoy a change of scenery. Since my family lives on the east coast, many folks head to the beaches. Water is theraputic. The sound of crashing waves and salt air will restore anyone's worst day. On the other hand, a mountain vacation can also be a rewarding way to enjoy the quietness and beauty of nature. Vacations are an opportunity to reconnect as a family, share stories, and make new memories. It's also a time to laugh and be completely goofy. Even if a get-a-way is not fesible this year, take time to "unplug" and spend time as a family. Plan a weekend with no plans. Break out the board games, cook together, play a round of badmitten. The idea is to reconnect. Talk to each other. Love one another. No matter where you go to get away, even if it's in the back yard, take time to take a break from the busyness of life and rejuvenate. Your family will appreicate the break too!
health-bite: take time to recharge