~Submitted by Lisa Corbett, co-owner Dream Dinners, Ventura
Each year I think that maybe this one will be the one in which I can slow things down. Take a step back and go back to the days of yore. However, ultimately, I find that no matter how desperate I am to make life simpler, it just doesn't seem to be the "way' of our society.
The one thing that I do notice, however, is a strong desire to provide the best of ALL worlds to our children. How can we provide them with EVERY opportunity that presents itself and still keep to the core values that we hold inside (always being there for our children, providing them with a home cooked, nutritious dinner, physical fitness, and more).
With the pace of our society, it can often be a challenge to do everything that we want to do. Let's just focus on feeding our family. How can we do what we want to do in this day and age.
What is important?
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has found that teenagers who eat with their families less than three times a week are more likely to turn to alcohol, tobacco and drugs than those who dine with their families five times a week. With statistics like these, it becomes a no brainer, right? But many people still struggle with finding a way to eat with their families especially in our busy society.
How can you do "succeed'?
Look at your schedule: Start by taking a peek & seeing where you will be at dinner time each day this week. Then figure out how you can get your family together!
Plan for where you will eat: You may or may not be eating at home, but you can plan to sit around a table, somewhere for your meal.
Lively Conversation: I believe that more then just being together physically, you need to mentally connect. Think of a few "ice breaker' type questions that can keep your conversation alive during dinner. Share high's and low's, prayer requests, etc. to keep the dialogue open and real.
Choose something delicious and nutritious: Be an example to your children. In a restaurant, choose a responsible meal that sets an example ~ when you look at the nutritional information, the "dinner' should be less then an entire days allowance of calories & fat!
For each meal, there are a variety of options available for you: Grocery Store Frozen Foods, or Premade Convenience Dinners, Meal Assembly stores like Dream Dinners, Sit Down Restaurant, Take Out & Fast Food. The important thing is to be with your family. Find the way that works best for you and make a commitment to be there for your children! |
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week after his battle with cancer. There is a memorial this weekend to honor this man who started the 3rd grade swim program in all of the Goleta Schools, taught water polo and headed the UCSB Junior Lifeguards. He was an amazing advocate for kids and water safety. We encourage you to read more and 
WHAT'S FOR DINNER? Coming up with meals seven nights a week can be challenging. This summer, I went to a family camp on Catalina and the very best part of the trip was not having to be the one responsible for the answer to the question, what's for dinner? It varies in each family who does the nightly cooking but it is not easy to keep everyone in the family happy with the menu especially when kids assume their parents are short-order cooks. Luckily there are so many great options to make nightly meal prep a little easier... take out, meal assembly and delivery. Sometimes it is nice to pick up the main course and then throw a salad together when you get home.
If you need a break from meal planning, here are some spots where KIDS EAT FREE.
