Suddenly a new year is upon us! There is no better time to start something new that can benefit the whole family. Eating together is a great time to role model healthy behavior and reinforce family values. Good conversation and laughter encourages confidence, and can even help with their grades!
Just like with any change in your life, start small and work your way up from there. Here are some simple steps.
Plan Ahead (but be flexible).
Choose a day when everyone’s free, and add it to the calendar. It’s easier to stick to something once it’s scheduled. Once you have found a day, brainstorm some ideas for a meal or snack together. For a little fun, switch up the chef in charge or pick a theme for your night.
Keep it Simple.
Pick simple recipes and encourage your family to assist with the preparation - making the recipe, setting the table, taste test. Try out Crock Pot Chicken and Rice, Make It Myself Pizza, or some Apple Pancakes. Check out www.go.umd.edu/eatsmart-recipes for even more great recipes to try out.
Any Time is a Good Time.
Dinner, breakfast, lunch, snack….any time is a good time to eat together. Start with one meal together, and schedule more as you are able.
Put the Screens Away.
We love our screens. Sometimes too much. Set your screens out of reach or turn them off for family meal time to encourage everyone to be present.
Talk it Out.
The screens are away, so now everyone can focus on each other. Don’t know where to start? Try out some of these fun conversation starters to keep things light. Celebrate the successes each of you has had that day, week, or month. Tell your silliest jokes!
