Trying Something New...or Should I Say Old

Ryan and I have always been late eaters.  We typically eat dinner at 8 after we put Ainsley to bed.  My sister Wendy is going to bed and I'm putting dinner on the "table" or really on the couch on our "food pillows".  This is how we have functioned for 10 years.  It's definitely a habit and probably not a good one. 

Like most people, we have read the many articles and studies that state the benefits of family meals together.  We have pretty much ignored them thinking that we would start that when Ainsley got older.  Fast forward 20 months, and we have a toddler.  She is older.

Recently we were at a parenting conference at our church and the subject came up about family dinners. It hit me like a ton of bricks.  This is important.  These years when she is little are really shaping who she is and how she will some day interact with her family. 

And so we are trying something new.  We are committing to eat 3 dinners together during the week and most meals together on the weekends.  I think 5 dinners during the week is too much to ask of Ryan.  He works later than most and that's an important part of his job. 

Here's to giving up another aspect of our pre-children days.  Food Pillows I will miss you but my child needs me now!