Last night, I asked my family this question: “What about our family makes you want to come home?”
Dinnertime has grown into an important ritual at our house. We’ve made it a priority to eat together, as a family, as much as possible since my daughters were little. When the four of us gather around the table, we share the best and hardest parts of the day, dreams, laughs, and sometimes tears.
Occasionally, someone (usually me) brings a topic they would like to discuss. Last night, I threw out this question:
The answers were a peek into the lives and needs of the people I love more than anything in the world.
What About Our Family Makes You Want to Come Home?
“Total acceptance – Where I can truly be me,” responded one.
“Hugs,” responded another.
“A positive place.”
My note to myself as a mom and spouse…keep cultivating these things in our home. They are what really matters and make my family feel loved.
If you ask this question around your family table, I would love to hear how it goes!
Ground Rules to Support Family Dinner Connection and Conversations
- Make the dinner table a safe space. Practice respectful listening. Do not make fun or embarrass anyone about what they share. (This rule has grown into a house rule too.)
- Turn off and put away devices. Make the dinner table a no phone, tablet, or TV zone.
- Make the conversations fun, especially as you get started. (Later, families may delve into more serious topics and discussions.)
- Choosing not to respond is okay. Allow family members just to listen if they prefer not to share.
- To start, introduce just one topic at each dinner. From there, decide what works best for your family.
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