I remember them well. Not because they were fancy or formal, but because they were very fun and informal.
I remember some of the best family dinners were when my mom was single and it was just her, my sister and I. We had this small apartment in Indianapolis, and a little round oak table, I can still picture it.
She’d make something simple, sometimes just mac and cheese, and we’d spend ten minutes eating, but sit at that oak table for an hour talking and laughing. You know those times when you laugh so hard you cry, we had those often.
I’m sure at the time my mom was stressed and it wasn’t the way she had planned it all out, but as kids that’s all we needed. Simple and just being together. So that’s what I do with my kids, now.
I saw that last night was "National Family Dinner Night." I know that it’s hard and impossible to do every night of the week with how busy families are. The last thing I want to do is make you feel guilty or put another thing on your “to do list." Who cares if it’s not organic and made from scratch, the healthier thing is that you sit and talk.
I usually start by asking my kids, “what was the best part of your day.” Last night my 3 year old son, Andy, said; “Seeing you mama.”
Maybe your family did this growing up too, maybe not, but I’d love to hear about your family dinner traditions, as well as what impact they have had on you.
