Make Your Meals Together A Success - Dakota County Minnesota

Family meals are important. You create close bonds and lifelong memories around the family table.

Scheduling tips

Set a regular family mealtime but be realistic about everyone’s schedule.
Identify obstacles to making family meals a priority. Coordinating schedules can be challenging, but it can be done.
Choose one day or meal each week where the entire family is expected to attend. Use this meal as a time to come together and plan the coming week and to discuss activities that may affect mealtimes.
Although supper is when we usually think of having a family meal together, it may be easier to make breakfast a regular family meal. Mornings may have a more regular routine and may be less busy than evenings.

Creating a positive atmosphere

Encourage everyone to join in the meal. Reinforce the ritual of everyone coming together.
Set the table rather than having everyone serve themselves from the stove.
Create a moment of calm before the meal. You might hold hands at the beginning of the meal, pray, express gratitude to the cook, wish everyone a good meal, or raise a glass of milk to toast each other.
Turn off the television, iPods and cell phones so everyone can focus on the conversation without distractions.
Let voice mail answer phone messages to avoid dinner interruptions. A phone call can always be returned after dinner.
Eat around a table. It’s easier to talk and listen to your family when you face each other. Eating side-by-side at the kitchen counter or on the couch takes away eye contact.
Turn down the lights, light candles and play soft music to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Teach table manners: establish rules about staying seated, passing items instead of grabbing them, putting napkins in laps, and not talking with your mouth full.
Discuss positive events of the day or upcoming family activities. Criticisms and unpleasant topics during meals create a stressful atmosphere.
Pick a topic from the Eat. Talk. Connect! Conversation Starters list.

After the meal

Remember that children often take more time to eat than adults do. Take your time through dinner and enjoy a few extra minutes sitting at the table before cleaning up.
Relax after the meal! Food is digested better when eaten in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Savor this important family time together.
Share meal preparation and clean up duties, so that no one feels burdened by them.
After dinner, play a board game or serve dessert to encourage the family to continue the conversation.