Family Time is More than Just Fun!

Last week at my house, we held our first family meeting. We ate some cookies, talked about whose job it is to empty the trash, what we should have for dinner, and if we could get a fish. These topics may not seem important, but doing things like eating dinner together or holding family meetings can help your child to be confident and independent. Kids as young as infants through high school can be part of these family times together!

The Search Institute lists 40 things that help kids succeed. The more of these a child has, the more likely they are to make healthy choices and avoid harmful behaviors. Positive family communication is one. Having regular family dinners and meetings are ways that are easy and free. You can do them right now to help your child be healthy, caring, and responsible (www.search-institute.org).

Family dinners are a great way to connect with your kids. Did you know that research has shown that kids who eat dinner with their families are less likely to smoke, drink, and use drugs? They also are more likely to do better in school. For more information, you can visit the Partnership for a Drug Free America at www.drugfreee.org.

Even the youngest family members can be included at the table. Pulling up the highchair and including everyone sets the stage early for kids to know they can talk with you and ask for your advice. Make dinners fun by asking each other questions, such as “If you could be invisible for an hour, where would you go?” Use the time to find out what your kids are interested in and who their friends are.

Another opportunity to talk with your kids is to have family meetings. Starting at a young age, weekly family meetings give kids a chance to make decisions with your help. Kids like to give input on what you will have for dinner or do as a family on the weekend. Weekly meetings give you a chance to talk about your family’s rules and routines. This can be a great opportunity for you to lay out your expectations before problems happen.

Family dinners and family meetings give regular opportunities to really talk with your children. Finding out who they had snack with today, or what story they read at school, nurtures family bonds. Kids will learn they can share their ideas with you and come to you with their problems as they grow. Besides, spending time eating, laughing, and talking with your kids is fun for everyone!

For more information about how parents can help children succeed, visit www.mvparents.com.


By Clare Jones, M.Ed., Helping Services for Northeast Iowa