For the past few years I have been blessed with the
opportunity to be a stay-at- home- father. While all the other activities
I engaged in daily were rewarding, few of them felt as gratifying to me as
hearing my children (then ages 10 through 21) tell the family how their day had
gone. The best time we found for our family to share these thoughts was during
family dinner time.
Whether we have a family of just two…or a family of ten…
having an opportunity to work on a single activity together will bring the
greatest sense of security to the members of the family. Setting a table,
preparing and then enjoying together even the simplest macaroni and cheese
dinner can bring a sense of togetherness and belonging. It’s during those
moments that we can take the time to hear one another’s complaints, share
successes and discuss concerns. The bonds formed as we interact strengthen us
in a way that provides us with the confidence we need to endure the outside
world.
These days, however, so many families lead really busy
lives. Some days, we try to meet the need of hunger as quickly as
possible by driving through and eating in the car while running from one
activity to another. Some families have two parents who work, and time
for meal preparation and table setting is very limited. Still under these
circumstances, taking the time to sit and look into each family members eyes
and give them a moment of our most precious resource…time… can go a long way
toward stabilizing even the most stressful family situations.
I found this little poem by Edgar A. Guest which inspires me
to continue trying to create these times with my family…even when its
stressful:
A
tablecloth that's slightly soiled
 |
| Photo Credit |
The
napkins kept in silver rings,
And
only ordinary things
From
which to eat, a simple fare,
And
just the wife and kiddies there,
And
while I serve, the clatter glad
Of
little girl and little lad
Who
have so very much to say
About
the happenings of the day.
I found these resources on the web. Enjoy your
children, develop their sense of security, teach them good habits and create
the routine that will bring balance and security to their lives.
Jorge J.
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