My latest article is up at Foodie Mama—it's all about the ideal vs. the reality of the Family Dinner. We are currently going through a rough period in our house in terms of eating together, but I feel good as long as we can make it happen a few times a week. I'd rather eat in shifts than try to rush it all into 10 minutes or eat way too early/late for everyone's comfort level. I know that as our schedules change (soccer ends next week, woo-hoo!), we'll be able to do it more often.
Update: There is currently a glitch at Foodie Mama in which it seems that you have to register to read my article. It should be fixed over the weekend. Sorry about that, but it's not my doing!
Another Update: I'm told the glitch is fixed; you should be able to read my article now without having to register.
Family dinners are something I feel very strongly about - but you are right - they aren't a daily reality. However, we do better than the average family. I know this because my kids' friends are amazed we all eat together, especially without the TV on. I tried to pop over to the other site to rad the full article but it said I wasn't allowed or some such drivel.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Posted by: debbie | October 30, 2008 at 07:58 PM
I would love to read that article, but what is up with being required to log in to read the content? (Not your doing, I realize!) That really chaps my hide, as they say. I could easily register, but it's the principle!
Posted by: Kerri | October 31, 2008 at 10:05 AM
It's a lot easier when your family only consists of mama and son. Our challenge is to not just sit together and read while we eat. Nice to see your work in other places!
Posted by: Janeen | November 01, 2008 at 10:32 AM
We may not light candles, but we do cherish the family dinner...so much so that I have kind of given up on forcing everyone to eat the same thing. Rory doesn't like scallops? Great, more for me. He can make himself a quesadilla...one of his go-to recipes. Haley (the 15 YO teen) is often "too tired for dinner." This has NOTHING to do with the fact that she is physically programmed to stay up until 1 a.m. and be a grump-on-wheels in the morning. So, I let her sleep (hoping that upon waking she will be inspired to do her homework). 75% of a family dinner is better than nothing.
When the stars align and we are all there, it's fun. We laugh. We interrupt. We argue with good humor (as opposed to the vicious arguments that arise about NOTHING between two teens the rest of the day.)
I guess our challenge is not to have three laptops going while we eat!
Great post!!!
Posted by: Di | November 02, 2008 at 09:13 AM