Parenting Information

Family Meals: When Dinner Schedules Dont Match


Mealtimes together deserve an important place in any family. Around the table, family members connect, children learn the art of conversation, and a spirit of peace and thankfulness can flourish.

But work, long commutes, sports, music and religious education can make for hectic evenings. As a result, it's sometimes impossible for the whole family to eat dinner together.

A solution: Snacktime!

You don't have to resign yourself to family members' going their own way all evening. Once everyone is home, a family snack can be a simple and effective way to connect.

Make it easy on yourself. A bowl of popcorn or a store-bought treat works fine. Brownies or cookies quickly made from a mix fill the house with an inviting aroma. During cold weather, our family enjoys sweets with a pot of peppermint or raspberry tea.

Add a bit of structure to the conversation to make sure everyone is included and peace prevails. For example, you might ask each person to name the best thing that happened in their day. Everyone else around the table then responds with a comment and a follow-up question.

You can also ask gently whether anyone has a problem that could use your help. Save disciplinary matters for another time.

If snacktime isn't right for your family, you might enjoy a different strategy. Some families go for an evening walk, gather for prayer or share a read-aloud.

The key is to set aside an pleasant, peaceful time when family members can lovingly connect.

A sweet ending to a busy day.

(c) 2004 Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC

Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC, specializes in helping women who are both professionals and parents create balance. She offers teleclasses, workshops and individual and group coaching. Norma publishes "The Balance Point," a free e-zine, every other Friday. Visit http://www.NormaSchmidt.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Learning Parenting 101: Better Late Than Never
Hartford Courant, United States - Dec 1, 2008
Welcome to Parenting 101, a two-part introduction to the fundamentals of effective child-rearing. Upon passing this course, which will conclude with next ...


Dr. William Sears to Talk on Child Nutrition & Parenting
Honolulu Advertiser, HI - 8 hours ago
Parents, grandparents and childcare providers are invited to attend his seminars on Monday, December 8th at 7pm or Tuesday, December 9th at 10am at the New ...


Even In Hard Economic Times, Noted Parenting Expert Urges Couples ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 10 hours ago
"Couples who decide to delay marriage and child-bearing, don't fully comprehend the ramifications of their actions," according to parenting expert and ...


ENERGYPARENTING(R) is the Antidote to the ADHD/Ritalin Epidemic
MarketWatch - 12 hours ago
It is a new way to parent that upends existing parenting models by transforming challenging children without the need for medication. ...


The Canadian Press

Culinary bad boy Anthony Bourdain dishes on parenting and food
The Canadian Press, MIAMI BEACH - 16 hours ago
MIAMI BEACH — After spending years introducing television viewers to unusual eats from around the globe, culinary bad boy Anthony Bourdain is focused on a ...


Examiner.com

(ie San Francisco hiking, San Francisco parenting)
Examiner.com - 19 hours ago
by Tim Wright, Houston Workforce Performance Examiner Change is not just something leaves do. Change occurs in our efforts to improve profitability, ...


Gay adoption ruling favors good parenting over sexual orientation
Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - Dec 2, 2008
As a parent myself, all I can do (and it is not enough) is commend Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman for a fair and just ruling, which put the welfare ...
New blow to adoption ban Palm Beach Post
all 5 news articles


Anderson court records detail accused killer's commitment to parenting
Anderson Independent Mail, SC - Dec 1, 2008
In 2006, family court officials ordered both parents to submit to drug tests and to comply with court-ordered behaviors, including the exposure of their ...


Positive Parenting Practices May Prevent Aggressive Behavior Among ...
AAP Grand Rounds (registration), IL - Dec 1, 2008
Positive parenting and early puberty in girls: protective effects against aggressive behavior. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(8):781–786; ...


Wyandotte and Leavenworth County Community Calendar December 3-9
Kansas City Star, MO - 3 hours ago
Pre-registration required as they fill up quickly. www.kck.redcross.org (913-321-6314) FREE PARENTING CLASSES-POSITIVE DISCIPLINE: 1-3 pm Dec. ...

Parenting - Google News

Catalogue 4 Shopping UK offers thousands of low priced, top brand products in a variety of categories including fashion clothing, sportswear, DIY, electrical for home and garden. Remember it is often cheaper to shop via catalogue4shopping.co.uk than going direct, so bookmark us now (Ctrl +d) Enjoy your shopping.

Additions Direct Catalogue Home Cloggs Direct Cosmetics
Jones Bootmaker Dress For Less Figleaves JD Sports
Lands End Lingerie Confidential Littlewoods Catalogue Marks And Spencer
Mothercare Catalogue My Tights Outdoor Gear Simply Beach
Thomas Pink Top Brands Direct Marshall Ward