Family dinner time...prior to COVID-19 during the rush of work, school, kids extracurricular activities, homework it was tough to have a family dinner.  Well with everything on hold or coming back slowly I hope many of you are getting back to those 'old days' of family dinner.  Where you choose to have dinner whether it is at the table, bar in the kitchen or out on the deck, it is up to you but try to leave the TV off, phones and other devices off or at least in another room on vibrate.  Going back to the statement 'Wherever you are be all there.'  Some of these dinners will bring on fond memories, it opens the pathway for discussion, provides a bond with your children, spouse or with whomever you share your household.  It helps to create an open dialogue that may continue outside of dinner which is always a good thing.  Also provides structure that may carry over into the next generation.  Always remember children learn by example and whether they admit it or not children will emulate their parents or guardians.  If we set good examples for them now it will serve them well now and in the future.  

Families that dine together tend to eat healthier and if we can leave the devices behind also eat more slowly and enjoy their food.  I sometimes hear moms say 'I always make sure my kids eat healthy.'  This is great but if they see you are making poor choices it sets a bad example...#1 They feel when you're a grown up you don't need to eat all this healthy stuff.  #2 You will feel much better and will be able to keep up with the kids and their crazy schedules, which they will notice.

These days many households are different, older children returning to parents home, parents moving in with their grown children, multiple families living in the same household whatever your situation may be take this time to share and listen to each other.  There is so much to be learned from the older and younger generations.  I worked at a gym full time for about 10 years and I used to love the afternoon shift, noon - 4:00 pm., this is when our seniors would come in to workout. It was so enjoyable to converse with them about their life, what they have seen and their perspective of the world. It was also encouraging to see them at the age of 80+ staying active it still helps to motivate me to stay active.

The next time you are planning your shopping list get others involved ask for meal suggestions and let them know when you will be serving their meal and ask if they would like to help.  Just keep in mind it may not go as smoothly but make it an experience.

Be happy, be healthy and be safe