Where has family dinner time gone? The time of day when the family all gathered around the table for dinner and conversation seems to have become extinct.
But where did it go and how can we bring it back? We don't have to look very far to find out what happened to family dinner time.
Life got busier than ever with both parents working, kids involved in extracurricular activities and technology competing for our time.
Our time together as a family is shrinking, and the time we do have together seems to be spend in front of the television watching shows or playing games.
It is great that we have so many options for entertainment in our lives.
We all want a chance to recharge and unwind.
But can't we take one hour or less every night to turn off the television and focus on family? How well do you know your children? What about your kids, do they know much about you and your life? If we spent more time talking and less time watching TV families could become connected and closer.
When parents allow the television to be a part of dinner time, it becomes the focus of the meal.
The family doesn't communicate because they are too busy watching.
Is this the way it was when you were growing up? What about conversation, talking about the day, etc.
? How is a family supposed to stay close if they don't have regular conversation? Try an experiment with your family.
At least three nights a week have family meal time together, with no interference.
No television, video games, or even cell phones.
Just family mealtime and togetherness for one hour.
If you haven't done this for a while it will seem strained at first.
You may struggle to make conversation and connect.
But as time goes on, you will find that it is easier to interact and enjoy the time together.
This may be one of the best things you do as a parent.
Creating family mealtime without distractions will give you the chance to connect with your kids on a new level.
The entire family can build a stronger relationship as you learn and grow together.
And isn't time with your family much better than any show on television?