5 ways to Make Family Mealtime Meaningful

Mealtime happens every day. Whether we like it or not. The kids (and adults) must be fed. Even on weeknights. It’s just the way it is. Today I’m partnering with GE to help you create an atmosphere that will have everyone (including you) looking forward to family mealtime. Creating a meaningful mealtime is easier than you think… when you know where to start.

5 tips for Making Family Mealtime Meaningful

Let the kids help by picking the meal or helping with prep. Little M loves to make pancakes. Big M loves to make eggs. (Breakfast for dinner happens a lot around here). We call them over for just the parts they love to help with. It’s a fun way for to start using tools and equipment in the kitchen. Learning how to use our GE Appliances oven has made them feel oh so big. (I just got a look at the new GE Appliances gas Double Range Oven … wow!!! It has Tri Ring Burners that make it easier to control the heat. Better pancake cooking for Little M?)

Extend prep time so you feel less rushed to have dinner on the table “on time”. I am far more patient when I am not pressed by the clock. The extra time cushion makes it easier to let the kids help grate the cheese or cut the veggies. It also makes it easier to give attention to the “Mom, come see this.” that always seems to happen as soon as the water is boiling.

Be flexible with what must happen in the kitchen. At our house the meals are dished up at the stove or counter and brought over to the table. I like it that way, so that’s how we do it. Little M, on the other hand, loves setting a table. She loves serving dishes and place settings. On the days she wants to set the table, I enjoy the time we have together (and forget about my way of doing it).

Talk, talk and them talk some more. Dinner table conversations are a great way to get kids to open up. Use this as an opportunity to talk about the day’s events, what’s on everybody’s minds and even some very serious conversations. When it’s regular practice to talk about the small stuff… the big stuff will come out easier!

Clean up as a team and extend the together time. Give everyone a job (even the little ones can help load the dishwasher). The extra hands and giggles take a chore and make it fun. Of course with 102 Spray Jets and no need to prerinse GE Appliances Dishwasher makes cleaning up dinner even quicker. GE Appliances asked and then LISTENED. Their new line of appliances is designed with both beauty and functionality in mind. They took the advice of busy moms and dads (just like us) and designed appliances that make it easy to connect, play and ENJOY each other in the kitchen. Check out the features of the Double Range Oven, French Door Refrigerator and Dishwasher. GE Appliances is also offering rebates and promotions (GE Artistry begins 5/15/2014 – 5/28/2014).

How do you make your weeknights special? Leave your answer in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 5/1/2014-6/30/2014. Be sure to visit the GE Appliances brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts