In my home, family dinners are a very important time for all of us to be together. We all eat at the dinner table at the same time, and we all eat at the dining table at the same table. For us this is a special time and a time that helps us stay a tightly knit family. It’s not just about the food; it’s about sharing moments with each other and talking about how our day went.
Growing up, my parents always made sure we ate together as a family. However, no matter how hectic everyone was, we managed to sit down as a group and eat before moving on to a new activity. This was a rule in my house, and it wasn't a matter of choice. We would all come to the table, talk about what happened during the day, and sometimes share funny stories or just ask how everyone was feeling.
I believe this tradition made our bond stronger. It allowed us to get together and catch up with each other. They spent these days guiding us, listening to our concerns and talking about their self experiences. It wasn’t just about eating; it was about connection.
This behaviour has continued into adulthood and, currently, in my own domestic environment, I follow the same behaviour. Dinner is a time when, regardless of how busy, everyone can find themselves.
Just about everybody has a place in the group, and we are all always together for a meal. Sometimes life is tough, maybe school days are tiring or there's lots of homework to get done, but we, together, always make sure to eat at least one meal together. It helps us reconnect. At times we tell each other what we've experienced while in the hospital, and at other times we simply keep a silent company of each other.
But, no matter what, that time together feels special. It's one of those times when there's no need to rush and we're free to just be together.
Having a family meal together is something I care very much about, and I think it keeps us family tight. It is hard to stay in touch with each other, when people are busy, or when we eat at separate times. However, eating together makes us come to a halt and associate with each other.
It is not only a matter of also sharing a meal, but also our life. It allows us to continue to be connected and it also offers us a place to express ourselves.
I was trained this way as a child, and now that I am an adult, I see how important it is. It has led to better relations within my family and I would like to ensure that this tradition is passed on to my own children.
That they grow up feeling the same sense of bonding, that dinner isn’t merely about eating, but about being together as a unit. I believe this is a tradition that helps families stay close and keeps the lines of communication open.
Looking ahead, I do not wish to alter the tradition in my home. I think it’s something that should be carried on. In fact, I would like it to be even more unique, for example by involving the whole family in some kind of dinner activities, for instance dining together while cooking or for fun of a specific theme. But the most important part will always be the time spent together at the table. I believe it helps keep our family bond strong, and I want to continue this practice with my children, just as my parents did with me.
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