Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/81269
time for families to socialize and bond. They can talk about any issues the kids may be experiencing and how to handle them, which is part of the benefit. But, often, it is simply spending quality time together that builds a bond that can be called on in a time of need. It's really important, too, that the TV and other distractions like cell phones and texting are turned off during meal times." Getting Everyone Involved Schleef encourages parents to involve all family members in the dinner preparation. "If you cook the food yourself and all sit at the table, you are also forcing you and the family to slow down the pace of your lives, share your days good and bad and enjoy the time together and the meal, even if simply prepared," she says. "You are creating something together, especially if children are involved in the cooking, setting of the table and cleaning. This should not be viewed as a chore, but again as time spent together engaged in the important work of the family." Four to Five Times per Week Ideally, Schleef recommends dining together four or five times a week. Many Fredericksburg parents appreciate the notion of family dining. Lisa Mendoza tries to eat with her 5-year-old daughter at least three times a week. "We consider it important as a time to reinforce manners, self-help skills, talk about our days and discuss plans for the next day," she says. "I think it helps our relationship because it is one of the few times of the day when we actually sit together and are unplugged. We tell a lot of jokes, talk about our days, and discuss memories associated to the foods." "I consider dining together as a family important," agrees Chrissy Cox, who eats dinner with her husband and three children at least four nights a week. "For us, it is a time we can all sit together distraction and electronics free to focus on connecting with each other after being off in different directions throughout the day." Building a Tradition Sarah McIntosh always ate dinner with her family as a child and hopes to continue the tradition now that she has started her own family. "Growing up, my mom made sure we were always able to eat dinner together, which could mean that dinner time ranged between 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on some occasions when planning around my dad's work shift and high school sports schedules," McIntosh says. "During this season in our family's life, dining together is not relaxing since we have a 3-year-old and a 9-month-old, but it is still a special time together. We are committed to making time for eating together, so I imagine that we will continue to do our best planning around various schedules in the changing seasons of our family life." Eating together doesn't necessarily have to be at suppertime. "If families can't always eat dinner together, they can also consider making a point to eat breakfast together too," notes Schiffrin. "Generally, something is better than nothing. Kids need to know that their parents are not too busy to sit down and talk to them and that they care about what's going on in their lives. Eating is a great opportunity for those conversations." Brandy Centolanza is a freelance writer who covers health, education, parenting, travel issues. She eats children every night. and community dinner with her husband and two GRYMES Grymes: the way MEMORIAL SCHOOL We've known the secret for over 60 years. all schools should be. Coeducational Independent Day School • Jr. Kindergarten through 8th Challenging Curriculum • Small Classes • Spanish for All Grades Art, Music, Drama • PE Classes • Middle School Athletics Bus Transport for 6 Counties 540-672-1010 | www.grymesschool.org 13775 SPICER'S MILL RD • ORANGE, VIRGINIA www.fredericksburgparent.NET 15 Grade