AFTER THE MEAL

You all sat down as a family to a beautifully set table and enjoyed a delicious, wholesome meal. Great conversation was shared, and no one spilled their drink! Though suddenly, a great disappearing act occurs: everyone has to make a phone call, check their e-mail, finish up a task. It’s true that our modern lives require a great amount of attention, but learning to savor time together as a family is a task worth practicing.

When young people are expected to help with the after meal clean-up, these skills stay with them for life. Loading up the dishwasher or washing dishes by hand, wiping down the table and countertops, sweeping the floor and putting the leftovers away are all important tasks. Writing up a list of who does what job is a simple, non-verbal way to delegate. Some find it helpful to have a jar of small pieces of paper with various after dinner chores written on them from which every family member can pick.

Playing a board game, charades or making shadow puppets can extend that warm feeling of family togetherness. Kids are able to see their parents in a new light: “Wow, Dad is really good at Uno!” or “Mom makes the best shadow puppet dog!“ On a clear winter night, when the stars are out, have everyone bundle up to enjoy stargazing outside. Someone can be in charge of making hot mugs of cocoa or tea, and another person can be in charge of bringing out a pair of binoculars. These novel family activities can easily become new traditions.

-By Reetie