Encouraging Family Dinners
by: Tracey Doull
We all know how important it is to sit down at the table for a meal with the family on a regular basis, but often this is much easier said than done. For most of us, the day is just getting started when the kids get home from school. It’s off the dance class, sports practice and play rehearsal. Many times dinner is on the go and in between activities, not something we work our schedule around. Help get your family back on track with a little inspiration from Kitchen Moxie.
- Resolve to gather the family around the table at least once a week. Start with baby steps and once you get into the rhythm; add additional days, as the schedule permits.
- Keep the menu simple – comforting soups, hearty stews and casseroles are perfect choices. Think make-ahead, few ingredients and quick cooking.
- Get a head start by cooking on the weekends and freezing dishes that can be defrosted and simply reheated. Whatever you make will be far more economical and much better for you than purchased processed frozen foods.
- Keep the big box stores in mind when you do your shopping. The bulk purchasing will be more economical in the long run and allow you to make double portions – one to eat and one to pop in the freezer.
- Be sure to have what you need already on hand. A well-stocked pantry will go a long way to help get you on your way to some great dishes the whole family will love. Not sure what items are most important? Check out Kitchen Moxie’s Always On Hand – what to have in your pantry, fridge and freezer.
- Get the whole family involved. Take turns picking the menu, setting and clearing the table. Work together and use this opportunity to practice those table manners and work on proper eating etiquette.
- Make the kids part of the process. Get them cooking along with you. When kids help make a dish they are much more apt to try it. What a great opportunity to expand their horizons when it comes to food and perhaps sneak in a vegetable or two!
- Ban all toys and electronics from the table (including phones). Make no exceptions – not even for the grown-ups.
- Keep things fun and light. Have everyone share the best thing that happened to them during the day or come up with a question that everyone at the table has to answer.
- Don’t forget to sit back, relax and enjoy. True family time doesn’t happen very often. Relish every moment
For some family supper recipe inspiration check out Kitchen Moxie’s Sunday Family Supper ideas. Find Kitchen Moxie on Twitter and Facebook.