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Step 1
Plan menus ahead of time. Most families report they have no time to eat together, but planning will help to make it easier. Family meals do not have to be fancy. Some families plan on weekly theme nights to make it simple. Examples of this would be: Taco Tuesday or Spaghetti Thursday.
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Step 2
Share cooking duties. With most mothers working outside the home, they can use the help. Even children can help with simple jobs.
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Step 3
Set the table properly. Use real dishes, silverware, and cups. Many young people have grown up with only fast food cups and containers. Do your family a favor and remind them how to use real tableware.
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Step 4
After the meal is prepared, put the food in serving bowls. It means extra dishes, but it also means extra time spent face to face. Place the serving dishes and utensils on the table.
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Step 5
Sit all family members down at the table. One person will start to pass the food from left to right; each person takes a serving. Serving themselves will help children learn to eat the amount that will fill them up, hopefully preventing issues with weight later in life.
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Step 6
Spend some time eating. Meals are not races and should be enjoyed. Everyone stays at the table until all are finished eating. The time allows everyone to talk. Books, televisions, and video games are turned off and put away until the meal is over.
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Step 7
Clear the table as a family. Load the dishwasher and do the dishes immediately after the meal. Even young children can carry their dishes to the sink. With all involved, the process will be quicker.
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Step 8
Congratulate yourself! Even a few nights a week together will make a big difference to your family. Children learn great healthy habits. Parents learn more about their children. Family style eating is a wonderful way to spend time together without making a huge effort.
