Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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!

3 comments:

  1. I'm with you. We are late eaters too, mostly due to work schedules. I have always told Brad that if we have kids we will be having family dinners away from the TV!

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  2. Good for you! I know how hard it is with Ryan working late, but I think it is absolutely fantastic that you are taking the step to do this. Eating together is something we have stuck with since Aliha was born and she definitely enjoys the family time together (as much as we do) - even if we do cheat and eat in the family room instead of the kitchen from time to time.

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  3. I think it is a great goal. And I know hard to do with husbands who work late. But a fabulous habit to get into... not to mention it leads to chidlren learning to just eat what you eat, not a separate kid meal.

    We never eat in front of the TV, but when David is gone I have to be good about not popping open the computer at dinner time. :)

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