By Juliette Guyman and Samhita Holla
With extracurriculars, homework, and countless AP classes, eating dinner as a family has become very rare. As kids grow older and become more involved, it has become the standard norm in many households to eat dinner at different times, be separated from one another, or have to eat on your way home from commitments like sports or work. When families do get the chance to eat as a group and interact face-to-face with each other, this time shared is rarely connective, as distractions like phones and the television are unavoidable in today’s world.
One way to help foster connection on the dinner table is a simple reflection technique called “Rose, Thorn, Bud.” In essence, each family member shares the highlight of their day, a part of their day that could have been better, and something that they are looking forward to. Connection activities are essential to maintain a good relationship with your family, since it focuses on the positives as well as negatives.
As childish as this may seem, if your family is struggling to make basic connections with one another, this activity is a good first step to encourage everyone to participate in short conversation. To further facilitate healthy discussion, establishing a general rule of no phones at the table is the best way to eliminate most distractions. This way, you’ll be able to engage on a deeper level, not only with your family but also with the food you are eating. Paying attention to food seems unimportant, but in reality, it helps you by fostering a ‘healthier relationship with food, improving digestion, and managing weight.’
Essentially, eating together as a family has a variety of benefits which not only maintains relationships but can also improve mental health. Various methods such as “Rose, Thorn, Bud” and mindful eating facilitates and upholds these important connections.