This day and age we see a lot of electronic devices. Everyone in the family has something in their hand from iPhone to iPad to game devices, and so on. Gathering with the family usually happens in the morning, but no, that is a little too rushed while everyone is hurrying to finish breakfast and be on their way to school or work. So why not intently make the evening dinner a time to really relax with the family.

What this means is no distractions. Make it a rule to leave all electronic devices in a designated basket or in the office, or what have you. This should be a time to talk about everyone’s day. Plus, no one leaves the table until everyone has finished. But, what you’ll find out is you are enjoying this time together. Really connecting with one another and making everyone feel special. Children as well as adults will come to look forward to these times, and ask for them. This is the heart of the family. These will be the memories that stay, and get carried on as tradition.

Everyone that works, or has had a long day at school just wants to hurry, and get comfortable. The last thing anyone wants to do is cook a meal, right? There’s something to be said about planning ahead for meals. Sometimes prepping meals that are being cooked in the crock pot all day can be a relief. Some times it’s really special though to include the family in making dinner. The chatting can be fun, and makes the task not so dreadful. You may even come to enjoy those times too joining together as a team to get the shared cooking done. Each night can be someone’s favorite meal night. Everyone looks forward to that and wait for their turn!

Think of the detox that can be done in just the talks and laughter alone. You may find the grocery shopping a chore, but when you look for the healthy foods instead of the processed foods, that can be a nice education for the kiddos. They will intently start to look for what is healthy. It teaches them to read labels and recognize foods that may be tasty, but terrible for the body. Pretty soon you’re going to witness the kids picking out healthy foods in restaurants, special outings like ball games and vacations. It may even become second nature to them.

So, give it an intentional go. Put down the electronics and start a new family tradition. If you just do one night a week, that’s a start. At least you’re starting, and that’s pretty special!