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DID YOU KNOW?
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Bullying often occurs when there is little or no supervision around.
meals that
matter
empower
The
Magic
of
Mealtime
L
et’s face it, being a parent isn’t easy. Most days, just getting your family all together at the same time can seem
like mission impossible. Between afterschool sports, study groups, work and errands, it’s not surprising that
many parents say they feel a growing distance between themselves and their children.
So how, in the midst of all this chaos, do you find time to talk to your kids and more importantly, have them talk back to
you? The answer is easy: Dinnertime.
It’s true: While the simple act of eating dinner together can bring families closer together, studies have shown it can
also help in preventing drug abuse and achieving better grades. Here are a few simple tips that will give you more than
your fill at dinnertime:
■
EAT DINNER TOGETHER AS A FAMILY AT LEAST THREE TIMES
A WEEK
Conversations flow easier when they happen
around the dinner table. If your family is “conversationally
challenged,” think of conversation starters before each
meal, such as planning a family vacation or discussing
current events. Whatever you talk about, ask your children
open-ended questions that have to be answered with more
than “yes” or “no.”
■
COOK AT LEAST ONE MEAL A WEEK TOGETHER
Even your
youngest children can do something to help. If your
kitchen is too small for everyone to fit, schedule a “helper”
or have your children be responsible for different parts of
the meal. Your family will grow closer during this time and
your kids may even start the conversations themselves.
■
TURN OFF THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Set aside the dinner
hour as the time when everyone turns off their phones,
computers and the TV. Let your friends and extended
family know that you won’t be available during that time
and stick to it. Use this time to reconnect with each other.
■
MAKE IT SAFE FOR YOUR KIDS TO TALK TO YOU
Let them
know that you won’t get angry or upset if they talk to you
about what’s going on. If they tell you something “off
the record,” then let it stay that way. (Emergencies and
dangerous situations aside, of course).
■
LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY
If you’re setting
the table, finishing up last-minute meal preparations
or doing something else when your child starts to talk
to you, they may give up if they know your attention is
really somewhere else. Do your best to give them your
undivided attention when they’re speaking.
■
USE ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS
Make sure that you
understand what your child is telling you. Repeat what they
have said and ask questions.
With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to
creating an atmosphere that is closer, more open and more
enjoyable for the entire family.
92
maskmatters.org
SPRING
2011