Family meals don't just need to happen at dinnertime or with the whole family. With busy schedules, it's a big challenge to get everyone together for a family meal. The good news is, a "family meal" can happen anywhere, anytime! And, a family dinner doesn't have to be an elaborate, home cooked meal. Heat up frozen pizza, eat leftovers, or order takeout. Any meal with your family counts! Here are some fun, out-of-the-box ideas:
- Have a picnic (or a car picnic) with with your kid(s) while watching another play a game or waiting for another to finish an activity. Use some conversation starters to open up communication.
- Sit down for breakfast with your child before school. Many older kids kids hastily eat something while scrolling on their phones before racing out the door. Take this chance to discuss the day ahead and check in for any concerns.
- Do a surprise mid-week dinner out! Many families wait for the weekend to go out to eat, but weekends can get busy too. A mid-week restaurant meal can be fun and unexpected and a great opportunity for some family bonding.
- Choose a day to let your kid(s) plan and make all the meals with as little adult help as possible. Even young children can put together a meal using foods that don't need to be cooked (maybe with a little help from the grownups).

