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Step 1
Realize that even eating a few dinners a week as a family is beneficial. It may not be possible for your family to eat together seven days a week, but chances are that you can manage to do it three or four times a week with creative planning.
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Step 2
Make being home for dinner a priority. If you establish that 6:30 is dinner time, you're less likely to schedule something on top of it. Remind your spouse and children that dinner is at a specific time each night, and that it's important for everyone to be there on time.
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Step 3
Put together a list of recipes that your family likes and that are easy to prepare. Don't put pressure on yourself to make a gourmet meal. If you have simple options already planned out, then you're more likely to cook dinner instead of just popping TV dinners into the microwave. Vary the menu from night to night to keep things interesting. Designate one night on which you'll serve someone's favorite dish or dessert.
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Step 4
Designate a night when you all eat out together at some favorite restaurant or fun spot. Schedule an evening picnic for dinner during warm weather.
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Step 5
Have a few things on hand that are simple to prepare for those hectic nights when there really is no time to cook. Also determine which nights are the busiest for your family. If Tuesday is always a crazy night, this might be a time to forgo the family dinner completely. You can focus on eating together on Wednesday and Thursday to make up for it.
