Keys to Peaceful Family Dinners

The first step in eliminating dinner time stress is having a routine that works well for the whole family. For some this may include some kind of chore chart saying who is responsible for setting the table, cooking, cleaning up and all those little tasks. It is hard to have a peaceful meal when it begins with an argument about getting dishes on the table.

It's helpful to have a set dinner time. If some are missing they can have leftovers. That way at least the younger children who need to eat and have time to settle before bed time will be taken care of. Try accommodate as many people in the family as possible.

End the picky eater syndrome. Here is the rule. "There are two choices for dinner, take it or leave it." Children will not starve themselves to death. They may go with out dinner a few times, but that won't kill them. Don't fight over eating. If they don't want to eat they just need to sit quietly at the table until the first person who is really eating is done. You want them to stay at the table because this should be enjoyable family time. Great conversations can be had over dinner. They can certainly participate in that part of dinner.

Discipline and food don't mix. Talking about problems happens at another time of day. Dinner time is reserved for reporting the good things that happened today. Funny things that have happened are a welcome topic. Anything that promotes good feelings and helps digestion is the goal.

The one thing that made the biggest difference in the stress level for the Judd family was a quilted table cloth. The family was always laughing and talking during dinner and it was a great time, until someone dumped the milk. Then Dad was outraged and things got very sullen. It was Aunt Abish to the rescue. She quilted several table cloths to soak up the spills and save Dad from the outrage. The Judds are still having family dinners and now the grandchildren are spilling milk as well. Aunt Abish is still quilting so all is well in the world of Judds.

Each family probably has their own personal stresses. Once they are unidentified then get together and create solutions. It really can be something as simple as a tablecloth or a schedule.

It's time to bring back family dinners and gather around the table. Those bonding moments are priceless. Recently we went to visit our parents. Just the kids went, with no spouses , grandchildren or extras. When we gathered around the table it was just like when we were children. Without a second thought we immediately sat in our regular old spots around the table. We laughed until we cried. As an immediate family that had not happened in over 25 years and if felt good. Something about those family dinner and our place at the table seemed almost sacred.