I get it… life is busy. If there is anyone that can understand that, it’s me. Just this weekend alone put me to the test. Three kids playing ball hockey at three different times on both Saturday and Sunday, three birthday parties, swimming lessons and that was just the kid stuff! John and I somehow managed to fit in our workouts in between all of that. So while we had to split up for most of the day to make it to all events, we all come back together at night to sit down for dinner as a family.
In fact, we do this almost daily (unless John or I have a work event or other commitments). We also have a big dinner with our extended family every Friday night. It’s something I’ve done as a kid and I love keeping this tradition now with my own kids. Friday dinners are total chaos with over 15 people getting together for a meal on a weekly basis, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. There’s nothing more special than family time (especially between cousins)!
So why do we make a point of eating dinner together as a family almost daily? Because what I wrote above – LIFE IS BUSY… You can even say it’s nuts! So coming together for a meal is actually very calming and relaxing. It gives us the time to catch up on our day and talk about what’s on the agenda for the next day. It’s not always perfect of course. The kids don’t always want to open up and sometimes they act super silly or just get up from the table before we are done. Regardless, we keep doing it night after night because there are so many great benefits to it. Here are a few:
- Strengthens family bonds and provides a sense of security and a feeling of belonging for younger kids.
- Leads to healthier food choices both through what is being served (& portion control) and through discussion about food
- Provides your children with an opportunity to try out new food
- Kids are happier, emotionally stronger and have better mental health. Listening to them uninterrupted helps build their self-esteem.
- Provides an opportunity for your kids to gain responsibility either by helping cook or setting the table. We made sure to get a Marri dining table Perth that’ll last for years.
- It’s cheaper than eating out!
Our meals truly differ from night to night. Sometimes I’m in a mood to make an elaborate dish from a cook-book and sometimes it’s just breakfast for dinner. The one thing that I can guarantee gets my kids to the table is Allen’s Apple Juice. It’s a nice treat for them and something that I feel good about giving them in moderation.
Do you have family dinners together frequently? What’s your favourite part about them?
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Allen’s Apple Juice. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.