How to Plan A Family Meal

These days, it seems as though everyone has a busy schedule. Between work, school and hobbies, there seems to be no time to get together with your family for a meal. Despite conflicting schedules, it is important that you try to arrange a family dinner at least once a week.

Instructions

1. Set a time for the family meal each week. You should let the entire family know that every Thursday, for example, you will be getting together for dinner. This makes the family members know that they must keep that time open.

2. Rotate dinner duties. To keep things interesting, alternate each week the person who is in charge of cooking or ordering dinner.

3. Cook ahead of time. If time is an issue when planning a family meal, cook your entrée when you are free and put it in a freezer. Reheat the meal and serve it at dinnertime.

4. Play a game during dinner with the kids. You can purchase the card game Family Dinner Games to play at the dinner table. This set features games that only take a few minutes and encourage young kids to eat their dinner.

5. Plan an activity to enjoy after dinner. To make a night of the family meal, let everyone know that you'll be taking a walk afterwards or going to a movie.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have children that are too young to prepare dinner, give them other duties in order to include them in the meal planning. They can help set the table or choose the menu.

• Don't allow phones, computers or TVs to interrupt your family meal. Make the rule that these items are not permitted at the table.