Keeping Your Family Close and Connected
There was a recent article in the New York Times Sunday Styles section entitled “Guilt Trip Casserole”. It focused on the stress associated with parents getting their teenagers together at the dinner table. Here’s an interesting revelation mentioned in the article from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse: Teenagers who eat with their families less than three times a week are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs than those who dine with their families five times a week.
When I was growing up, my sisters and I always sat at the dinner table with my mom and dad. It was a culture, a tradition, fostered by my parents to create connection and togetherness: Family Time. It would never have occurred to us kids to ask if we could watch T.V. while eating supper.
When you and your children are experiencing the stress associated with divorce or separation, here is a key tip: stay emotionally close to your children. Yes, today this is a hard thing to do. Kids today are used to “multitasking” – which can include, if you let them, talking, texting, instant messaging, and eating dinner at the same time! A big part of what you can do to help your children at this time in their lives, is to let them know it’s OK for them to share with you their fears, concerns and feelings. Make eye contact. Let them know you are there for them and care. Listen. No T.V. No cell phones. Just you and your children. Together.
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