by Suzy kew

Created on: May 07, 2010   Last Updated: May 09, 2010

Is it true that the family unit is dissolving?  In this busy and often overwhelming society we live in it is hard to make time to spend as a family.  The dinner table is the perfect setting to catch up.  Everyone in the family should have his or her place at the table.  It makes them feel a part of something big - a family.

When dinner has been served and the family is all sitted around the table, ask your kids how their day went.  You will find they will be glad to share what happened at school with you.  It is so important for your child to be able to voice his or her own opinion about things.  This is how they will learn to relate to others.  They will gain confidence and get much needed advice on things and it isn't taking any time away from anyone.  Everyone needs to eat.

Children will become confident and closer to their parents.  Make sure you tell them about your day as well.  They are interested in what their parents do both in work and other parts of their lives. 

Many families find it hard to have a sit down dinner these days trying to keep up to busy schedules but it will pay off.  Even if you are just grabbing a meal on the go, take advantage of that time to talk to your children. 

In previous generations, it was thought to be that children should be seen and not heard.  This left them underconfident and unable to speak up or stand up to adults.  You give your child the tools to do this by letting them discuss their concerns with you at the dinner table.  It is a relaxed setting and the meal can sometimes provide a good conversation starter. 

You don't have to have deep conversations or pry into something your child doesn't want to share with you but the more you talk to them, the more they will talk to you.  Showing an interest in your child's day might help them feel comfortable telling you about problems they might be having at school. 

You can help them think of ways to solve their own problems.  If you are having trouble getting a conversation started try going around the table giving each family member a chance to tell something that happened to them that day or something they did or achieved. 

The conversation can grow from there. Before you know it you will have started a family tradition as well as a good foundation for your family.  They will start looking forward to those family meals.  Realize it doesn't have to happen every night.  Even if you can only swing one or two sit down family meals they will add value to your family unit.

Children do grow up fast and start finding their own lives in different directions, help them gain confidence by giving them their own place at the dinner table.  You will even find that, when they are grown and on their own, when they come home to visit, that will still be their place at the table.

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