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Dinner Date
by Grace Fox
Sometimes a hectic schedule leaves family members feeling disconnected
from one another. A simple habit can help remedy the situation: Eat
dinner together. Sometimes it’s possible only three or four evenings a
week, but its positive impact makes the effort worthwhile
Sharing a relaxed meal while exchanging thoughts and ideas, builds the
family team. Verbal give-and-take encourages communication, which in
turn builds relationships. And research indicates that strong
parent-child relationships play a major role in reducing the risk of
teen substance abuse.
When parents protect the dinner hour, they communicate that the family
unit is worth celebrating. Without saying a word, Mom and Dad tell their
kids that they value their presence. And kids love it. Ask 15-year-old
Jayden.
One Saturday, we hired Jayden to do yard work. At noon, I invited him to
join our family for lunch. Halfway through his hotdog, he burst out,
“This is so weird! I can’t believe how your whole family is sitting
around this table! We never do this at our house.” “What do you do?” I
prodded. “We eat our meals while watching T.V. in our own bedrooms,” he
replied, “but I like this much better.”
For households like Jayden’s, incorporating new habits might feel
awkward at first. But hang in there! The benefits are worth it. These
suggestions will help ease the discomfort and make mealtime more
enjoyable:
1. Turn off the T.V. and radio during mealtime. Eliminate distractions
so everyone can really listen to each other.
2. Make it extra-special—light a candle centerpiece.
3. Use a pretty tablecloth and special dishes to celebrate the first day
of school or passing a tough exam.
4. Encourage young children to design and color placemats. Laminate
their creations and use them often.
5. Experiment with conversation starters. Warn your kids in the morning
that you’re going to ask them, “What one new thing did you learn today?”
They might think it’s a dumb idea at first, but they’ll get over it.
They might even surprise you with their answers. It’s only fair if
parents play, too!
6. End dinner with a quick game of cards or another favorite. Doing so
encourages everyone to stay at the table until each family member has
finished eating.
7. Stay at the table if the kids start talking! Don’t rush away. Dirty
dishes can wait. Kids can’t.
About the author
Grace Fox is a popular conference and retreat speaker. Her latest
literary work is a new book called
10-Minute Time-Outs for Moms”, published by Harvest House
Publishers. She has also written articles for several Christian
publications including “Focus on the Family” and “Christian Reader”.
Grace is a regular contributor to “Power for Living”. She and her
husband, Gene, are former missionaries to Nepal and now direct a
year-round camp ministry. They have three children.
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