As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, many of us look forward to enjoying relaxing dinners with extended families, time off from school and work, and the beginning of the holiday bustle. According to History.com, “much of what we know about what happened at the first Thanksgiving comes from Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow, who wrote:

“Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors … many of the Indians coming amongst us, … with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.'”

For some families, the family togetherness on Thanksgiving Day is in opposition to typical whirlwind days, when students are inundated with extracurricular activities and family dinners are a rarity. This year, why not extend the comradery going forward? Why not continue having family meals and expressing gratitude? This may be more challenging during the school year, but with some effort and schedule management, it can usually be arranged for at least a few days per week. This is what family dinners can look like:

• Children can work with parents to prepare meals and set the table. This allows an easy environment to talk, and children will learn over time how to cook, bake, and set the table easily.

• Everyone can help clean up, making clean-up time a breeze. Family members can take turns choosing their favorite music.

• At the table, each member of the family can talk about something positive that happened that day or something they are thankful for.

• Parents can tell their children what they are proud of.

• Family members can discuss challenges they had and how they resolved them or ask for assistance in finding solutions. While parents model this, they teach valuable problem-solving skills.

• Parents can model polite ways to speak to each other and reset if someone is rude.

• All family members can have the opportunity to occasionally invite guests.

When you are raising children, the time is finite. Before you know it, they will be grown. Any effort to get to know each other better and enjoy each other’s company is a plus. Family dinners can be a slice of positivity that brings everyone together.

By Cheryl Gedzelman, President