Family meal time

[Spinning]

I miss it! I can't believe how busy we have been the past several weeks since school started and I don't see any let up! DH dad sold his house and is moving so we are helping clean up, clear out and have to do it after DH gets off work so quick sandwiches on paper and off we go....school meetings....dr's appointments, adventure club, dance, soccer...! It didn't seem like a lot but with his move it just makes it crazy!
I hope it slows down soon! That was always the one time we talked with no TV or phone...just us and the kids!
Why is life so busy?

 

[RUDisney]

I know this happens from time to time, but it DOES get better. When we first brought our kids home, I thought we were relegated to pizza, hoagies, and hot dogs for the rest of our lives. I could not see the end of the tunnel and then one day, everything opened and things were normal again.

I agree with you. Family mealtime is my favorite time of the day. When else can you annoy your kids with food they claim to hate? Funny thing is that they liked it the last time. Seriously, it is our only time together, too, where we are all in one room with no one preoccupied with something else.

Life will be back to normal again for you, I hope very soon.

 

[AirForceRocks]

We had the same problem, and we found that the solution was to cut back on the after school activities. They now have scouting and a sport, that's it. I was tired of making a dinner that we didn't get to eat together or having to grab sandwiches on the way out the door.

It has been a perfect solution for us - the kids have activities they enjoy, we have a sit down meal together as a family almost every night, and they still have time to go out and play with their friends and just be kids.

 

[Buckalew]

I agree with AFR. I think we have to make choices about these types of things. If they are important we have to make the effort to show that they really are important. I love family meal time too.

 

[believe]

With DH and I working opposite shifts we only get a family meal time once a week.
I do eat with the girls during the week, but it isn't the same with DH not being there.

 

[Cindy B]

We limit the kids activities as well.

 

[tc]

I loved family meal time. Even now, with Kimmi in college, she makes it a point to be at home for dinner. We have the best conversations at meal time.

Spinning, it sounds like this is just momentary as you're doing the move. It should let up and things will be back to normal. If not, and things remain crazy, I agree with previous posters that some things need to be cut back. Meal time with your family is so important.

 

[Spinning]

Hi everyone! I agree with limiting the number of activities too. Right now DD has brownies, every other week right after school, ballet right after school and adventure club (church)one night a week, DS soccer Sat mornings and we all go as a family which is nice. I think it is dealing with the move which makes it hard. we are cleaning out the garage and need to do it before it gets too dark! So hopefully a few more weeks!
I guess I am also having empty nest sydrome! DD is in first grade and DS started preschool 3 days a week and we always had lunch together too! Plus getting the homework routine down...all the dentist and doctor appointments will be over soon....
I guess I funtion better with less structure! LOL!