Our family went through a really rough patch in the past; we even separated for a really long time. When we were reconciled, my husband and I knew there were certain things we wanted to make different. We planned to put certain practices in place to help our family become more united.
One of the things we decided was of utmost importance was making sure we ate together every day at the table. We come together at the table for breakfast and dinner. We have come to realize this was one of the best things we followed through on and one of the most doable steps we could take as a family.
If you aren’t sitting together as a family for breakfast or dinner, don’t beat yourself up over it. The last thing I want to do is make you feel badly for not doing this. We are human and sometimes it’s best to take a step back and start anew. The Lord says that our mercies are new every morning. Therefore, I know it is possible to start fresh and make things new in your household.
Taking the effort to make dinner or breakfast table time a priority is worth every effort in making it happen. Here are a few things to ponder when you feel that it is impossible to get the family together for even one meal a day:
- Leading studies show that American teens were found psychologically healthier and academically better if they had regular dinner time together as a family.
- Families who don’t eat together are more likely to have a child with an eating disorder than a family who has regular meals together.
- Mealtime conversations help children build your child’s vocabulary and they are more likely to be better communicators.
Remember that it’s never too late to start. Know that it may be difficult at first, especially if you have teens that seem to have “better” things to do. However, making the effort now will make an impact on them later.
You can also do super fun things during dinner time that create lasting memories (and belly laughs).
These get really hilarious, so brace yourself. We love doing these in our home.
Act like someone else at the table, for the whole time you are eating dinner. This gets so fun because your family catches your exact mannerisms. They say things you would normally say or act as you would normally act. I say “yo” a lot. Yes, I am an English Major, BUT I am from the Bronx, New York. My native speech just comes out when I am not in a professional setting. It’s hilarious to see my kids make fun of my New York accent–“fo’get about it, yo”, or “mom needs some cawfee and sawsage, yo”!
Speak with another accent. This is so not politically correct, but it’s soo much fun. We even do this when our kids have their friends from New Zealand over. They LOVE to make fun of our American accents. They say that Americans always say, big ol’. We didn’t notice it until they pointed it out. Now, we realize we say big ol’ for everything. Big ol’ truck, big ol’ headaches, big ol’ sandwich; I have ruined you now, because you may realize how much you actually say big ol’. Accents are awesome and my husband’s Italian accent has me begging him for more. I cannot stop laughing.
I bet we can ask our kids years from now what their favorite memories were, and breakfast or dinner table time has to come at the top 5. I am sure of it.
I really want to encourage you to take the time to spend with your family at the table, talking, laughing, loving, and sharing. In this day of technology and fast-paced happenings, slowing down for family time at the table will become more and more important.
Don’t let time pass you by without making this time count. Passing on family table time to their family is something they will thank you for in the future.
Other family posts you might enjoy:
- Current Event Discussions at the Dinner Table
- Bring Back Dinner Conversations with FREE Printables
- 10 Ways to Create Meaningful Conversations at the Dinner Table
- How to Date When You Have No Budget for Dating: Our Favorite FREE Dates!
- FREE 5 Day Family Mealtime Revolution
- Make Meal Planning Easier with these 10 Theme Night Ideas
- Mealtime Moments ~ 30 printable activity cards for building character
Don’t forget about our FREE Monthly Meal Plans (Regular & Instant Pot!)
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Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!
