When you think of the perfect family dinner table is Leave it to Beaver the picture that comes to mind? June in her pearls all pressed in her Sunday best and Ward always knowing exactly the right words of wisdom to impart to his boys. In reality, no thoughtful music plays while Mark gives those wise words to our boys and I usually have some sort of smudge where I wiped away grease that splattered on my shirt (pearls not included). We may not have a fairy tale family, but I hope you don’t think sitting down together as a family is just a fairy tale.
Dinnertime isn’t just a time to fill our stomachs, but thirty plus minutes each day where the whole family can sit down together, all facing one another at eye level, and spend quality time together. What a great opportunity we have to share the events of the day, teach values, instill worldview, and just get to know and enjoy one another. Through this series I would like to share and hear your ideas about intentional ways to make the most of this valuable time.
Before we get into the fun ideas, traditions, stories, and memories; I want to inspire you to carve out this time as many times as possible throughout your week. Family dinners don’t have to be reserved for Thanksgiving and Christmas. You really can do it and you don’t need pearls to make it happen!
Okay, maybe not everybody can. I know life is crazy and not everyone has a 9-5 work schedule. It may not be possible right now for your family to be together at dinnertime. If this is the case for you, I would love to hear your ideas for making an alternative special family time.
I am so excited about this series and I hope you are too. I can’t wait to hear what you do to make dinnertime special in your home. Are you able to regularly have mealtime together as a family? Please share with us how you have intentionally designed your life so you can sit down and eat together. Does your schedule not allow for this time? We would love to hear the creative ways you have made your own special family time.
Unfortunately, we never have family sit down meals unless it is a special occasion. It is not a priority with my husband (he prefers to eat by himself in front of the tv). It is a battle that I have given up on. However, I try to have family time with me and the kids. Every Friday, without fail, we do Pizza/Movie night. Sometimes we order in, make a frozen one, or make our own from scratch. We spread a blanket out on the floor and watch a movie and eat pizza, candy, and popcorn. The kids look forward to it all week.
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