Dinner may be the one time of the day that families can enjoy a little together time. However, many moms and dads complain that their evening meals have become little more than a mad dash to finish the meal and leave the table.
Rather than allowing your family dinnertime to go stale, why not rev it up with a few fun family dinner ideas?
Say “No” to Devices, But in a Gentle Way
Many people get into the habit of having their phones out while they eat. Though they may not intend for their actions to seem rude, they can result in hurt feelings when the rest of the table feels ignored.
Make the family table a device-free zone by asking everyone to keep their devices on silent or turned off in their pockets or another room. Be sure that everyone follows suit, including adults. Allow occasional exceptions, but only sparingly and with permission.
At first, this may elicit some grumbles. Yet in time, it can be the best way to set the stage to make family dinners fun zones, not places of distraction.
Ask Everyone to Contribute an Item for at Least One Meal Per Week
Why make one person cook for the whole family? Once per week, such as on a Saturday night, turn the family dinner into a potluck adventure.
Assign every member of the family a dish to “bring” to the dinner table. This could be an appetizer, dessert, entree or beverage. Help younger children determine what they are bringing to the party.
The result could be a hodgepodge of ingredients that might not always be wholly nutritious. Still, the experience can lead to tons of laughs when everyone sees the final buffet!
Follow Dinners With Board Games
You might have noticed that board games like chess, Yahtzee and Monopoly are still being sold. Many families are rediscovering how much fun non-technical board games can be.
After family dinners on weekends, get out a board game that everyone can enjoy playing. Not only does this build camaraderie and conversation, but it allows people to work individually and as teams. Even simple card games can become a learning experience for little ones.
Over time, you might discover that your board game nights are the highlight of everyone’s week.
Try Something Completely Fresh and Foreign
Meatloaf again? No way! With the Internet at your fingertips, you can find recipes from around the globe.
Pick a country or type of food and create a menu that is totally unique. Allow everyone in the family to chime in as you determine what to serve. Then, prepare and cook the items together.
You will have the opportunity to try unusual ingredients as well as boost your knowledge of the world’s greatest cuisine.
Start With Dessert
Getting bored with your predictable meal progression? Liven up a meal every month by making dessert the first course. Just try not to overdo it so you still have room for the main entree!
Every family deserves to spend some quality time together. Why not use your next dinner as an excuse to reconnect?
