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Dinnertime Routine Tips:
Family dinnertime is one of the most important routines you can establish. Children who eat at least one meal with their families at a specific time each day or night learn the importance of family interaction and camaraderie. Dinnertime routines can integrate peaceful family discussions, allowing each child the opportunity to talk about his/her day, discuss any problems or issues at school, with friends, teachers, etc. It has been established by many mental health experts that children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to fall victim to negative peer pressure. Family time that is sacred, such as the routine of family dinnertime, gives our children interaction with positive and loving role models. It is an ideal time to reinforce family values, ethics and behavioral expectations.
A dinnertime routine can include friends of both parents and children, which will establish positive and happy interaction between all family members and their friends. Parents can help establish a happy, warm dinnertime atmosphere by keeping conversations light, happy and fun. I try to make my children laugh at least once during dinnertime, because, ultimately, I believe life should be fun and happy and that we all need to laugh and smile as often as possible. This doesn't stop me from reminding my kids about table manners and how to eat like ladies, although any instruction is done with gentle and kind guidance. Harsh reminders of manners usually don't work. "Sweetie, chewing with your mouth open makes you look like a farm animal" gets the point across with a little humor and your children will be more inclined to listen to what you have to say if you speak to them with respect and on a level they can understand.
Dinnertime routines can also establish good chore habits in our children. When they are old enough, give them a responsibility to help with family dinnertime. A toddler would love to help place napkins at each place setting, at about age 3, a child can help clear the table and older children can learn to set the table, help with clean up and learn to cook or arrange simple side dishes.
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Family Focus 