The Family Dinner Hour

by Judith Bowman on 11/11/14

Our morals, values, beliefs and ethics are shaped at home and are in large part, attributed to the way we were brought up. Possessing a strong sense of Family (not necessarily referring to the traditional family, being a single parent myself) helps build confidence, provides a strong life foundation and also serves as a source of comfort during life's challenging times.

We live in a world today where multitasking and managing our time, people, home and career is commonplace; time is precious. This is a ringing call for a conscious return to an uncomplicated activity as old as "Old Man Time" himself: The Traditional Family Dinner Hour.

Note: "Family Time" vs."Dinner Time"

This call hails the notion that when we take the time to dine together, as a family, we experience a heightened level of comfort and security and, in turn, we are more confident and respectful… we interface with others more skillfully, invite conversation and welcome new people into our lives more freely. The Family Dinner Hour encourages bonding and connection as well as behaving well and being gracious… a great 'way to be!' It is here where lessons of life are learned … where parents will correct, and celebrate their children. "Family" is intrinsic in the fabric of our lives and while reinstating activity may seem simple, initiating this requires effort:

• Announce it: "We are having "Family Dinner" at every opportunity" (Night/time)
• Make the time. Urge family members to say, "No, I can't" to other invitations … and practice saying, "we are having a Family Dinner tonight."
• Make Family Dinner Hour fun and festive - a dining experience.  

People feel better when they sit at an elegant table that is dressed.

"Special" suggestions:

• Eat in an attractive place i.e. the dining room.
• Create a calm, civilized atmosphere i.e. play soft background music.
• Prepare a nutritious dinner.
• Use table linen and porcelain vs. paper plates/plastic utensils.
• Candles/tea lights.
• Ground rules: T.V. and cell phones: off(!); no in-fighting.
• Teach and practice good table manners … how to set a table, hold a fork and knife, etc.
• CONTRIBUTE to family discussions.
  

Unplug from the world mentally, and dial into your family and partner… laugh and enjoy each other!

The Market Basket affair provides an iconic case study of how, when you show employees you care and treat employees with kindness and respect, you get respect, loyalty, allegiance.

Today, more than ever, INVEST time/energy in the special people in your lives. The dividends will be exponential!