Every night, my family gathers for dinner. Some evenings, we’re at the table as early as 4 PM due to late practices or concerts, while other nights we don’t sit down until after 8 PM. Regardless of the time, this meal is the highlight of my day, and I make it a point to whip up something most nights. I won’t claim every meal is gourmet—on some evenings, it’s as simple as a bowl of cereal paired with toast. What truly matters is that we are together, and that’s what counts.
On nights when our schedule is free, I relish the opportunity to invest more time into planning and prepping. I pour myself a glass of wine as I chop and stir, genuinely enjoying the process of cooking wholesome meals for my loved ones. Some of my fondest memories have been created in the kitchen, especially when one of the kids asks to make something special alongside me. It’s a joyful experience—when they follow my lead, of course!
When they were younger, we would cramp around our vintage walnut dining table. I would watch them wiggle in their seats, complain about the food, and endlessly inquire about dessert while they stared at their plates, weighing whether or not to eat what was in front of them. Yet, there were moments I would pull out the high chairs or booster seats, allowing them to munch on chicken nuggets or sandwiches in front of the TV. On those nights, dinnertime felt like a mini-vacation. There was no whining; they ate happily while I didn’t feel the urge to flee the scene after spending hours preparing a meal just to hear, “McDonald’s food is better than yours, Mom!”
Some evenings, I would sit with them at the couch, while other times my partner and I would enjoy grilled steaks and risotto after tucking them in for the night. I often think back to my childhood Fridays when my mother would serve us tomato soup and grilled cheese on plastic trays. I can still remember the tantalizing smell of something delicious sizzling on the grill as I lay in bed. Those Fridays were special. I loved the comfort of getting cozy in front of my favorite show, and I could tell my mom appreciated the simplicity too—less mess, less fuss, and we were all engrossed in the screen, so there were no complaints.
Over time, allowing my kids to watch TV during dinner has made me savor these moments even more. As they’ve grown, this has become our routine, especially during chilly evenings. There’s something undeniably cozy about curling up by the fireplace with a big bowl of pasta. We’ve watched everything from local news to Jeopardy and even sci-fi channels, and I cherish these moments. Family dinners are the best part of my day, and I don’t feel we lack bonding time just because we’re not all seated at the table. I set the food out on the island, and everyone helps themselves, chatting away with Alex Trebek in the background.
Family traditions vary from household to household, and while we may not adhere to the so-called expert advice on how to spend our dinner hour, I honestly don’t mind. What matters is that this arrangement is much more enjoyable than a formal dinner at the table. I care that we’re together most nights, eating at the same time. I love that my kids snuggle under a blanket in their favorite corner of the couch. And the best part? They eat more and complain less! Plus, I never have to set the table or clean it up, which means I can spend more quality time with my kids. It’s truly my favorite time of day.
For more insights on family traditions, check out this post on our blog. If you’re looking into at-home insemination options, consider visiting reputable retailers like Make a Mom for supplies. Additionally, this resource on IVF offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Family dinner traditions can take many forms. In my household, we gather each night in front of the TV, sharing meals that vary from simple to elaborate. This cozy routine allows for bonding and minimizes complaints, making it a cherished part of our day.