Dinnertime matters
Bring your family closer starting today.
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Do you try to reach out to her and she always has "something better to do?" These can be scary times for a caring parent. Raising kids can be tricky. I know. I've been mothering for over 26 years and I'm still in the parenting game with my youngest. Let me share with you a few things I've learned from being in the trenches all these years.
If you are looking TODAY for a direction to go that will immediately start to bring back connectedness in your family and re-establish relationships, then start with the family dinnertime.This is a proven, highly effective relational activity that you can start TODAY. If dinnertime went out with the dinosaurs in your home, here's what you need to do.
Here are a couple of fantastic dinnertime ideas from another mom who has visited PaintedGold and generously shared her wisdom with us. What ideas can you come up with for your family's new dinnertime after reading Helen's ideas?"A few years ago, as our family sat at the table at dinnertime, I noticed that our conversations lacked any quality content. I began to look for ideas that would be fun, keep them engaged with each other, and we could possibly learn something in the process.I came across some critical thinking books that did the trick. We've used two that work for a wide range of ages. They are called "A Case of Red Herrings: Solving Mysteries through Critical Questioning." We have a small white board near the dinner table, and I have one of the children pick one of these scenarios. The other children (and parents) are to ask yes or no questions in order to get the answer. For instance, the scenario might be:
Another one:
------------- I have four children that range in age from 7-15 and they all have a fun time participating. Also, I have seen a great improvement on their thinking skills. I ordered these books from The Critical Thinking Co." Helen T from Ridgecrest, CA ==> Here's another idea from Helen "Write out one or two of George Washington's "Rules of Civility" on the white board near the dinner table, and discuss them. Background: George Washington wrote in his journal when he was about 13 years old, 110 "Rules of Civility" which were to guide him in act and speech at home and abroad. Young George set out to train himself and fit himself for the high place he was to fill. His soul was fixed on high things; he had no low tastes, and he was led by the hand of God. An example would be: 'In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.' We could discuss why that might be. I would hope they would come up with conclusions such as putting others before yourself, paying attention to others, etc..." Helen T from Ridgecrest, CA Thanks for sharing, Helen! ------------ You can see this doesn't need to be complicated, but it does require a little planning and most importantly, commitment. The point is to establish lifelong relationships with your children. Believe me, that deserves every ounce of energy you can put into it. So get yourself set up with Dine Without Whine and you won't have to wonder every day about the food part of dinner; you can concentrate on your kids instead. Commit yourself to 90 days to turn your family time around. This is a powerful idea, Mom, so make it work for your family! So much is at stake. And let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear from you. Colleen Langenfeld is a mother with 25 years of parenting experience and helps other busy moms at http://www.paintedgold.com.
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Colleen Langenfeld Creative Energies Enterprises Updated on April 21, 2008. |
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