While maintaining the dinner hour can be tough, you shouldn't give it up. Studies show children and teens who dine with their parents most nights earn better grades and eat healthier. They're also less likely to smoke, drink and experiment with drugs.
Sharing a meal — whether it's takeout pizza or a homemade casserole — gives families a chance to bond and connect despite their hectic schedules. Try these tips for carving out time for your family meals and making them a success.
Be flexible.
If your family's schedule seems overwhelming, take a second look at each person's commitments. Are there things you can cut to clear an hour for dinner? Would breakfast or lunch work better as the shared meal? Find a compromise that works for your family.
Get the kids involved.
Tap your children for help setting the table, preparing food and cleaning up. They'll learn the value of pitching in and become more invested in the dinnertime ritual.
Plan ahead.
No time to cook on weeknights? Make batches of your favorite meals on Sunday and freeze the extras. Or spend an hour or two at a make-and-take kitchen, where you assemble the week's meals from provided recipes and ingredients.
Keep the shared meal sacred.
Adopt a "no technology" rule for dinner. This means turning off the TV, ignoring cell phones and asking the kids to take a break from instant messaging. This frees your family to really focus on one another.
