The pandemic has forced families to be together during lockdowns. This has allowed them to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. But now that pandemic has subsided, families are returning to their regular routine, which is busy with their personal lives. According to a survey conducted by Visit Anaheim in 2018, Americans only have 37 minutes of “quality time” with their families each day on weekdays.
One way to combat this is by having regular family dinners. In a study, adolescents who eat family meals regularly are less likely to have eating and weight issues, alcohol and substance abuse, aggressive behavior, and feelings of sadness or suicide. Frequent family dinners were linked to better self-esteem and school performance.
With this conclusion, they believed that health professionals should encourage families to eat together more often, and families should be informed about the advantages of having regular meals. Also, the family should know that family dinner is a great way to reconnect with your loved ones.
Now is the right time to start planning your regular family meals. Here are 5 different and delicious ideas that your whole family will love:
Taco and Game Night
Taco night is another great family dinner idea that everyone will love. It’s a perfect opportunity to get everyone in the kitchen to help prepare the meal. The best part about tacos is that they’re so versatile. You can fill them with anything from chicken to beef to vegetables.
Start by preparing your taco filling. While the meat is cooking, have your kids wash and chop the lettuce and tomatoes. Assemble all the ingredients on the kitchen table and let everyone create their own tacos. Don’t forget the toppings; add a little spice with some diced jalapeños, or keep it classic with shredded cheese.
Enjoy your tacos with a side of rice and beans or a simple salad. To make it more exciting, start a family game that everyone can be competitive like UNO, Monopoly, or any other board game that you have at home.
Carport Pizza and Movie Day
What better way to enjoy pizza than in the comfort of your carport? Call the whole family to set up your personalized outdoor cinema.
Spending quality time on your carport allows you to stay within your property but spend much-needed outdoor time. However, to ensure you’re safe from any weather, don’t forget to install a shade sail carport. That way, you and your loved ones can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the sun or rain. If you still don’t have one, ensure that you’ll find something high-quality and long-lasting, for you don’t want your bonding to be interrupted.
After you install your carport, set up your TV screen or assemble your white screen and cinema projector. Get your beanbags, lounge chairs, and cushions out so everyone can get cozy.
Allow everyone to pick their own entertainment. For instance, one locally made film and another from a distant country, after which you may choose between spinning wheels or drawing straws to select the movie to watch. All you have to do now is order your favorite pizzas and sit back and enjoy the show!
Soup Night
Soup night is the perfect opportunity to try out a new recipe or use ingredients in your pantry. It’s also a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. Have your kids help you chop the vegetables while simmering the soup on the stove.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to soup recipes. You could make a classic tomato soup, a hearty beef stew, or a vegetarian chili. Serve your soup with crusty bread and enjoy a warm and cozy meal with your loved ones.
This is a fantastic approach: have a game where each member will take time to say something they are grateful for while preparing the meal. The person who can’t recall anything will get humorously punished by the family members. As you prepare an excellent supper, you’ll have a chance to commemorate what each member is grateful for.
Outdoor Sushi Making
Sushi is a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family can enjoy. It’s also an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together in the kitchen. To make things more fun, turn it into a sushi-making contest in your garden!
Set your things in the garden and make sure you have enough tables for all of you. If you have a vegetable garden, you may ask your kids to harvest your ingredients from there and have them wash and chop them simultaneously. Once the rice is ready, let everyone get creative and make their own sushi rolls.
Another cute suggestion is to make sweet sushi using fruits like strawberries, mangoes, and bananas. These are great for kids who are not fans of fish. After everyone has their fill of sushi, finish the meal with some green tea ice cream. It’s the perfect way to end a fun and delicious family dinner.
To conclude
Whether you choose to cook a big dinner or order in, the most important thing is that you make time for your family. Dinner is an excellent opportunity for everyone to catch up on each other’s day and enjoy quality time together. So turn off the TV, put away your phones, and enjoy a delicious meal with the people you love.
