From Holly Homer, Kids Activities Blog. Holly Homer is a paid spokesperson for HEALTHY ESSENTIALS®
Enjoying meals together as a family is a wonderful ritual and provides a natural opportunity for bonding time. But thanks to the distractions of technology and the challenge of balancing busy schedules for multiple family members, it can be tough to carve out that quality time. Below, I’ve put together a few of my best suggestions for making time to eat family meals that everyone will enjoy.
Unplug: Create a phone zone in the kitchen for everyone to drop their handheld devices into when in the area so mealtime never happens with one hand on a phone!
Cook Slow: On busy days, I credit my slow cooker for helping me prepare a delicious meal. I leave it on low throughout the day while I run errands and get stuff done around the house. When I’m finished, have a delicious meal to serve! Some people even opt to slow cook meals overnight. There are recipes that will please even the pickiest eaters in the group.
Play a Storytelling Game: If your family is like mine, the answer to “What did you do today?” is “Nothing!” Get all the details over dinner with a fun game. Each family member draws a stick from the jar and answers things like “What conversation did you have today that was the shortest?” or “Where in the world would you like this meal to be taking place?”
Go for a Picnic: Dinner doesn’t always have to be around the kitchen table. Sometimes busy families will find themselves at a soccer field or between errands at mealtime. Embrace family fun with a dinner picnic on-the-go!
Serve a Sweet Treat: Dessert has always been my favorite part of any meal, and it is easy to get in a dinner routine that is so basic that ending sweetly is overlooked. Surprise the family with something that they will dream about later.
Think of Breakfast as the New Dinner: It is easier for my family to congregate over the breakfast table than the dinner table. Instead of trying to force a dinnertime that may not happen, think about fitting the family meal in where it works best.
In collaboration with National 4-H Council. Visit 4-H.org for more tips, ideas and activities for the entire family.
Holly Homer is a paid spokesperson for HEALTHY ESSENTIALS®
This information is required to support the Childrens's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site's Privacy Policy.
{* /socialRegistrationForm *}
Thank You For Registering!
We will send you an email to confirm your registration.
Register Now
When you sign up, you'll get immediate access to printable coupons, exclusive offers and trusted advice online, on your phone and delivered straight to your inbox. Each month the site is refreshed with brand NEW coupons and content. Sign up below. Already part of the family? Sign In
Sign up with your social account
{* loginWidget *}
---- OR ----
Sign up with email
All fields are required, unless noted otherwise.
{* #registrationForm *}
Your email will be used to login to the site
{* traditionalRegistration_emailAddress *}
This information is private and won't be visible to the public
{* traditionalRegistration_firstName *}
This information is private and won't be visible to the public
This information is required to support the Childrens's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site's Privacy Policy.
This information is required to support the Childrens's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site's Privacy Policy.
{* saveButton *}
{* /requirementsPostLoginForm *}
Forgot Password
Enter your email address below so we can send you an email with instructions to reset your password.
Looks like you have an existing account with us. We have made some changes to our site and we need you to create a new password in order to login. Click send to receive an email with instructions on how to create your new password.
Register
All fields are required, unless noted otherwise.
{* #socialRegistrationForm *} {* socialRegistration_emailAddress *}Will be used as your user name
{* socialRegistration_firstName *} {* socialRegistration_lastName *} {* socialRegistration_zipcode *} {* socialRegistration_gender *}This information is required to support the Childrens's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site's Privacy Policy.