Often in our parents generation , it was held in great importance that all the members of the family eat together at atleast one of the meals of the day , be it breakfast or dinner …
In these times , I hardly ever see that happening … kids have their own world , some like to eat while infront of the TV , others take food to their rooms … they dont sit together …
Do you think we must encourage similar practice in today’s times , that all the members of the family eat together at dinner time , no matter what …
If yes , what benefits do you think it brings to the family system?
Sara, thanks for sharing your thought , why do you think its important?
I was discussing this with a friend the other day and she said, these days communication is so easy , you are able to catch up with family members every few hours over the phone, internet etc … so really there isnt much to talk about other then just eat food at meal times … unlike the previous times, when communication wasnt as easy and meal time was used as a time to talk about the day’s happenings
I have to admit that this was not the case in my parents house, it was always whoever was hungry served themselves, some in front of the tv (dad biggest culprit) some in thier bedroom, some standing in the kitchen. However my in laws have a totally different way, they do not start until everybody is seated, and no TV even if the phone rings, they will say we are having dinner call you back.
I find this really brings a feeling of unity thats quite unique, and you appreciate the food a lot more, also the company. I have gone from one extreme to the other, tbh i definatly prefer the whole family sitting together.
hmmm .. thats the case with us too ... we all would eat where ever , mostly in front of the TV ... its the same at my inlaws too ... but I strongly feel the need for the family to get together , all the members ... it just makes every one feel closer ...
**it's a healthy practice and creates bonding between family members and creates an environment of love if we eat together at least one meal a day...preferably the dinner!
how would you incorporate the practice of eating together in teenagers ? i know a family here and they have really difficult kids ... the mother tries and tries to get the family together for dinner , but fails most of the time ... son likes to eat in his room .. he comes , takes his plate and off he goes ...
how would you incorporate the practice of eating together in teenagers ? i know a family here and they have really difficult kids ... the mother tries and tries to get the family together for dinner , but fails most of the time ... son likes to eat in his room .. he comes , takes his plate and off he goes ...
make a RULE and stick to it...btw, they must be trained from childhood. explain to them why eating together is important. be strict!!!
i can NOT discipline because i’ve a very soft heart…isii liye, maiN ne abhii tak shaadii nahiiN kii … jab koi loving miss Hitler mil jaayegii to kar luuNgaa vohii ghar kaa discipline barqaraar rakkhegii … hehe
Always ate together at my folks.... And we eat together at the in laws. Ofcourse there was a gap of a few yrs where us kids didnt get the chance to est together with the folks due to crazy uni timings.... But that made it all the. Ore imp to do so during weekends. Was a great time to catch up with what was goin on in everyones lives. Its really important i think. But the key is to start implementing this rule when the kids are still young. U cant just bring up this rule with a teenager...
Well said Khawa .. I know a family here , who have three generations living together .. and they always have their breakfast together and have a dedicated 10 minute window to discuss religion , most of the time the elders in the family talk to the kids ... after that its regular breakfast ... and they all eat dinner together too ... I think its a great way of having a strong parental influence on the kids as well ...
Well, growing up we always had dinner together but dropped the habit when we got into college/uni because of hectic schedules. We were ALL coming in at crazy hours and it was impossible to have dinner together. Recently though, we've started to gravitate towards this again and its coming back. Mainly because the kids are growing up I think.
I think having at least one meal a day together is important as it promotes a sense of family and closeness you wouldnt otherwise feel.
kisii maasii ko jaantii haiN? 
hehe