How to Plan Family Dinners

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Set aside time for cooking for the family

In a busy world where schedules rarely coincide, family dinners seem to be a thing of the past. Family dinner has been show to strengthen relationships with children and help them to have better eating habits. Planning family dinners does not have to be difficult or time consuming. Prepare for family together time at the dinner table with just a few simple steps.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Menu
Calendar

Step 1

Review schedules weekly. Set aside time for family dinner on the days that are the least hectic.
Step 2

Be flexible. Make room in the schedule for the unexpected and schedule enough time for dinner to cater to any surprises.
Step 3

Plan a menu. List foods that your family loves and are easy to prepare. Make food in a slow cooker or prepare casseroles ahead of time.
Step 4

Make family dinner time the priority. Do not allow friends, unplanned activities or the television trump time together at the table.
Step 5

Assign children jobs to help with dinner preparation. Have children set the table, prepare vegetables, clear the table and wash the dishes. Many hands make light work making dinner prep and cleanup a breeze.
Step 6

Give each family member 5 minutes of undivided attention. Have each member tell about their day, upcoming events and any other items they deem important.
Step 7

Plan themed dinners once a month. Serve food that is theme oriented and decorate the kitchen to coordinate. Try a Hawaiian night, Dr. Seuss night or whatever theme suits your family.