Article by Robbye Fox, Parent Encouragement Program: “It’s 5:30 p.m., and 12-year-old Tiffany has just arrived home from play practice with what she calls a “pile of homework.” Basketball practice for Max, age 10, which is coached by Dad, starts at 6:30 p.m. Sam, age 8, has just completed his homework and is actively engaged in his one-hour allotment of computer time.
And then there’s dinner. Parents hear again and again about the importance of eating together as a family, but at times like this, it hardly seems possible. At the end of a long day, parents scramble to fix a meal, only to hear complaints about what is being served. Mealtime can be so stressful that some family members feel like avoiding the dinner table altogether.
But by letting go and making a few simple changes, mealtime can become a fun time no one wants to miss. (for more, click link below): http://washingtonparent.com/articles/0904/pep.php