The Dining Room Table By Ronald E. Johnson, C. Ph. D A furniture merchant recently announced that his store would no longer sell traditional dining room tables. Instead, customers would be encouraged to convert the family dining room into entertainment centers for DVD players, flat screen televisions, and computers. The decision not to sell large dinner tables was based on increased sales of fold-up tables conveniently positioned in front of couches and recliners to accommodate TVs. That is a tragic exposure of the breakup of family togetherness. The trend is also a reflection of blended families in which stepparents feel awkward attempting to lead family devotions and conversations with stepchildren, who often hold resentment against the stepfather or stepmother for “taking my dad (or mom) away from me.” Consequently, children of blended families often “miss-out-on” practical experiences around the family table. Unfortunately, many contemporary parents simply do not know how to engage in pleasant “table conversation” that helps bond children to parents. Here are some tips to justify keeping grandma’s dining room table in the family inventory. Fathers and/or mothers should: Refer to a recent activity, film, book, news report, or event in which the family was involved. Ask the following questions while ascertaining that each family member participates: What did you like the most? What did you not like? What valuable lesson or fact impressed you? How would you have changed or edited the story? (Book/Film) Did you discover anything about the story (book/film) that you would like to share with the family? Read a one page vignette, devotion, or article of interest to children (age appropriate) and ask the same questions outlined in #1. Discuss plans for the weekend or month ahead. What are the pending occasions? Who is involved? When will the events occur? Where is the event to be held? Note: Use a map and calendar to help all members of the family understand implications regarding family routines, schedules, and responsibilities. Rotate selection of family members who report on and lead/discussion on an event, book, news, report, etc. at the evening dinner. Encourage use of photos, maps, magazines, etc. Invite guests to dinner to talk about their career, mission, factory, ranch, grandparents, etc. Involve each family member (age appropriate) by asking one or more questions in #1.) ............
Posted on: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 22:23:20 +0000
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