Thank you to Susana Solomon.
Thank you to Susana Solomon.
Eating meals together a few times a week can become one of the most significant aspects of your family’s routine, both in terms of fostering children’s mental health and fortifying ties in the process.
Whatever your evenings look like, Solomon suggests these techniques to make family dinners work.
Why dinner time matters
Solomon has years of experience working with families as a counselor in private practice, adolescent detention facilities, and schools, and he has witnessed firsthand the transformational power of dinnertime.
I frequently ask families what they would notice if I were a fly on the wall at their most recent family meal. “I said,” she said. Sometimes the response is that they haven’t shared a meal in weeks, and it has nothing to do with guilt. It’s important to start where you are.
Research indicates that sharing meals consistently, even just twice or three times a week, helps children develop emotional safety and self-worth. Solomon claimed that when combined with straightforward rituals like rose, thorn, and bud, in which each participant discusses a positive aspect of their day, a struggle they overcame, and something they’re looking forward to or wish to better, the impact is much stronger.
According to Solomon, children flourish in environments that are predictable. And that is what a typical shared supper provides.
Redefining the table
These days, dinner can be 9 p.m. following a late workday, or it could involve granola bars in the car between tutoring and gymnastics. That’s alright.
Solomon argues that purpose is what counts.
“It is important to schedule with intention,” she remarked. In actuality, we will continue to lose out on chances if we don’t set aside time in our schedules for things like business meetings or doctor’s appointments.
According to Solomon, parents should set an example of openness for families who are confused of how to foster connection.
According to her, children don’t want to feel questioned. Show vulnerability as a leader. Invite them in after sharing a moment from your day.
Technology at the table (yes, it s possible)
While giving up screens completely might not seem feasible, Solomon suggests establishing and adhering to a 20-minute tech-free window during mealtimes.
“Switch off the outside noise and turn up the volume so we can connect,” she added.
She claims that eventually, the dinner table can become a haven where children feel comfortable expressing themselves, laughing, or simply remaining silent.
It turns into a place where I want to know how you’ve been doing and I’ve got your back.
Making a connection doesn’t have to be difficult. It must simply be deliberate.
Set aside time today. “We’ll never have the time if we don’t make time,” she continued. These are the foundational moments of connection, no matter how short.
