Dinnertime Guidelines
Dinnertime Guidelines
Dinner time varies for most of us… sometimes it’s at the ballgame, going through a drive-in, eating at the grandparents or with friends. Sometimes we are not all together, or even eating that night at the same time… but when we are together and, especially when we are home, dinner time should be a happy time for everyone.
At least, that should be our goal.
Here are few suggestions that might protect this special, and seemingly rare at times, family gathering:
1) AVOID THAT DAY’S NEGATIVE SITUATIONS.
Discipline or serious talks can wait til after eating, normally. Don’t sacrifice family time often to settling challenges and situations or making decisions.
2) RESERVE DINNER TALK FOR POSITIVE REPORTS OF THAY DAY’S ACTIVITIES AND NEWS,
As the adult, set the tone of the conversation! Talk about things that were pleasant, interesting and hopefully inspiring. You’ll probably be surprised how a little gracious, grateful dialogue can redirect the conversation and create a warm, unifying atmosphere.
3) REFUSE TO BE CRITICAL.
Simply choosing not to highlight others’ mistakes or irritating qualities, prevents toxic, unpleasant conversations from happening.
4) MAKE IT A HABIT TO HAVE SEVERAL TELL SOME FUN OR MEANINGFUL FAMILY MEMORIES THEY WANT TO SHARE.
Challenging your family to remember special times as a family or individually, IS A GREAT FAMILY TRADITION Their stories will be enjoyable, probably informative and no doubt entertaining. But it will also have a BONDING effect, and help establish a family storehouse of good memories, and a common, group frame of reference. It helps us understand, and appreciate, one another more when we hear their perspective and experiences.
5) INTENTIONALLY ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER.
Teaching your children to encourage and cheer for one another is priceless. It gives you a glimpse into their attitudes toward one another, and helps their relationships grow with one another. Being intentional to create a family culture of encouragement benefits everyone!
Dinner time is for the most part whatever you choose to make it! Sometimes it’s not going to go so smoothly, and sometimes it doesn’t happen at all! But, STAY FOCUSED, keep trying and do t give up!
Whatever it takes, make dinner a family priority and when it happens, MAKE THE MOST OF IT!
These guidelines can help make dinner time a REAL FAMILY TIME!! Enjoy!❤️
Never Give Up!
DeAnza Duron