OVERVIEW

We can say with assurance that regular family dinners are good for families—for kids and parents both. Studies and articles on the topic abound. The sources are myriad: colleges and universities, people in various medical disciplines, government agencies, food companies, to name a few. In general, the statistics say that family dinners help kids say no to risky behaviors, get good grades, eat well, offer a support system. But the family dinner is so much more than statistics! 

When a family considers being together for meals important, it means that they value their identity as a family. It means, too, that the individual members of the family are valued and cared for. 

These things are of primary importance for the development and success of individuals: children must know that they are loved and that they belong. This is what gives them a sense of security, leaving them free to explore and to grow. 

CLASS #1

We all know that if we go to the supermarket without a clear idea of what we want, it’s very easy to forget things, to buy things we don’t need, and to overspend. Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the refrigerator wondering “what can I send for lunch today?” or “what will we have for dinner tonight?” We can avoid the frustration and last-minute effort if we know before we go! Before recipes and menus, sales and seasonal produce the most important things to know before you go are.

CLASS #2

Basics nutrients and a balanced diet.

CLASS #3

Slow cooker and freezer cooking. Reasons for planning ahead.

CLASS #4

Taught by the table. As parents, we are teaching all the time, sometimes with words, always by example. Even in teaching our children the relatively simple task of setting a table for the family, we are teaching them truths far more important than the correct placement of dishes and silverware on a table.

CLASS #5

Dining with family and friends is an age-­old social ritual that is far more than it appears, far more than simply filling stomachs. We are feeding the hearts, the minds the spirits of family and guests. There is so much more going on at the dinner table than what is apparent to the senses. A well­‐set table beckons with its order and its attractiveness inviting those we love to join together with us. Cleanliness and beauty! The tablescape teaches without a word, imprinting images, memories for a lifetime. A well-­set table demonstrates graphically the value we place on this gathering and the deep respect we have for each human person who graces our table. A well‐set table speaks the importance of the professional work of the home which strives to meet the authentic needs of those in our care. Setting the table for any occasion certainly can be enjoyable, an outlet for creativity for parent and child alike. No need for complicated or expensive tableware or linens; very good quality table linens can be found at reasonable prices. We will show a different table settings or tablescapes: one casual, one formal and one informal or everyday. Each one has its own style but all are attractive and set the tone for the particular occasion.   

CLASS #6

Teaching manners and fostering good communication at the dinner table.

CLASS #7

Cooking and cleaning up, something for everyone! We’ve heard lots of great stuff about the family dinner so now we’re going to go deeper into the details of HOW we can pull it together in a way that benefits everyone involved. Specifically, we’ll look at prepping/cooking the dinner and then the clean-up process, and how kids can help. Most parents are all for having kids help and learn about how things are done in the house. But the practical details can sometimes be daunting.