Let's Eat!

Open communication is an essential practice in The Brown household, and what better way to spend quality time than talking with each other around the dinner table. Very rarely do we not eat a meal in the evenings together as a family. It’s the perfect time to catch up with each other and learn all the latest and greatest on the school ground. Plus it gives us as parents a chance to listen in for any key words or phrases to let us know if there is something that we need address with the kids.

Not every night (some nights are rushed because of after school activities), but most nights we go around the table and ask, “What was your favorite part of the day?” I find that when Anthony and I discuss the highlights of our day, the kids are more willing to participate. It’s an opportunity for us to really get to know our kids. We want to be aware of who they are hanging out with, what kinds of games they are the playing with friends and what they’re learning in the classroom.Every bit of information helps us to be better parents. Aidan will go into explicit detail over every part of his day. So much so, we have to remind him constantly to finish eating his meal. His enthusiasm for sharing with us is encouraging, especially in light of the fact that we are approaching an awkward age where he won’t want to talk as much. Ethan is still getting the hang of figuring out his favorite part of the day. So far it’s eating lunch with his friends and recess, but we’re also learning about how he feels about a few of his classmates. He’ll tell us if they’re being mean or if they’re bad in class. He’s starting to understand about what's acceptable social behavior and what's unacceptable. I’m happy that he seems to favor the acceptable behavior. Bella just laughs, and that’s more than good enough for us.

We always want our children to feel comfortable talking with us about everything and anything. We want the dinner table to be a safe place where they feel free to openly discuss whatever is on their minds. I’m sure as they get older, they won’t want to talk as much. Teenagers, especially, have a knack for keeping mum, but our hope is that by practicing open communication during dinner, they’ll be more willing (and comfortable) to talk with us, especially when difficult situations arise. If eating together as a family is something that you haven't been doing as of late, try to get everyone together at the same time and form your own tradition around the dinner table. You'll help to facilitate better communication with your spouse and your littles, plus you'll be creating wonderful memories for your family to look back on for years to come. Fellowship at the table is an act that God calls all of us to. Say grace, enjoy your meal, share your thoughts and spread God’s love to your family and friends. Bon Appétit!

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. – Acts 2:42