{"id":9506,"date":"2021-09-08T17:57:30","date_gmt":"2021-09-08T21:57:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp2.dinnertime.com\/content\/?p=9506"},"modified":"2021-09-08T17:57:30","modified_gmt":"2021-09-08T21:57:30","slug":"come-together-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp2.dinnertime.com\/content\/2021\/09\/08\/come-together-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Come Together"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"Once again, we start the school year a little differently than “normal”.\u00a0 Just like this time last year, we’re all learning to adjust and make the best out of our circumstances. It hasn’t always been easy. Check out some of these memes<\/a> from social media that bring humor out of the craziness. We think they are hilarious (and we all need a laugh)<\/p>\n

The coronavirus pandemic is hard on everyone. Studies are showing<\/a> that children’s emotional health has been affected. Parents are constantly shifting with the demands of jobs and the needs of their families. \u00a0Financial pressures, concerns about each others\u2019 health, working from home, balancing work meetings, all while monitoring their children’s learning progress, are putting a strain on everyone. Sometimes it can feel isolating and overwhelming.<\/p>\n

I like to focus on what I can<\/u><\/em> control. <\/span><\/h4>\n

What can I do to make things feel as normal as possible? Keeping to a schedule helps my family feel secure and grounded. Whether my kids are going in different directions or if we’ve all been working\/schooling from home, dinner is the one reliable time we come together. \"\"<\/p>\n

As a parent, I know there are the many reasons it\u2019s smart to gather around our dinner table. Studies show<\/a> children who eat dinner with their families do better in school, exhibit less risky behaviors, feel better about themselves and eat healthier. Right now, my focus is to help our family feel positive and connected.<\/p>\n

September is National Family Meals Month\u2122<\/a>, an effort to bring awareness of the importance of family meals. Every year we challenge our members to add just one more family meal a week. The good news is that studies show that since the pandemic started, 70% of families surveyed, say they are cooking more often. Half of the parents say they are involving their kids in cooking more often, and 55% of the families are eating with their children more regularly. More than 8 in 10 parents say it is important to eat at home together as a family and, those who miss dinners, in particular, say they are trying to eat with their child more.<\/p>\n

Kids want to spend time with their family (even the surly teenagers!). In 2019, 73% of kids surveyed<\/a>\u00a0say they value playing card games together, eating meals together and even doing homework together. Key word is together<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

The daily routines that you mindfully establish around dinner will help your family feel secure and together.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Make DinnerTime Together<\/em>–Time<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n