- Electronics
- Headphones
- Cellphones
- Telephones
- Television
- Discussion of underwear (I also had to ban “u-wear” after the girls thought they would get creative)
- Discussion of body fluids (I’m married to a nurse, after all)
- Hats (unless we’re outside)
- Dark glasses (unless we’re outside in the sun)
- Food not prepared/approved for the meal by the cook
- Reading material
- Homework (less of a problem with us today; we only have one student in the family right now!)
- Puzzles
- Doodling
- Bad language
- Blue humor
- Shameless double entendres
- Toilet humor
Those are the rules. Electronics get put away before food is passed.
What happens if discussion turns in a way unacceptable to me? I clang on my glass with a fork until it stops (which has now become a cliché, but it works!).
Problems have changed … electronics were an issue back in junior high, but not now with the twenty-somethings in the family. Language is an increasing problem, however, as it often is when that age. Unfortunately.
We sit down together, we eat together. And it is a very good thing.
More
CNN.com: The Right Way To Have A Family Dinner
Health.com: 8 Reasons To Make Time For Family Dinner
MrsMowry: Ode To Effort
Management and Parenting: Making It Work
Voting At The Dinner Table
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The beginning of this grand tradition is lost in the sands of time.
I’m sure it was just a casual thing when the kids were young. I was probably desperate for a witness to help convince Velda that she said something that she wouldn’t admit to. Just sayin’.
In any event, the family vote began to evolve.
It’s simple. Really. We sit at the table for dinner. We converse. Someone makes a statement that is controversial for some reason. With that, you state your objection and raise your hand. No words are needed: you just raise your hand. Anyone at the table is free to vote with you … or not. Everyone in the family has led votes, won votes, and lost votes. You disagree with a statement made? You vote. You agree with a statement? You vote. You just raise your hand, and let the chips fall where they may.
Today, the kids are grown. Friends, significant others, and now spouses have joined in votes at our table. When guests first see a vote, they don’t know what to make of our family tradition.
Votes are remembered. They become topics of discussion days and weeks later. People remember when they get support, and who won’t support their votes.
Votes are celebrated. Our extended family and friends revel in leading their first vote.
Votes are entertaining. It’s all in fun. It’s a reality check. It’s another way to stick your tongue out at the annoying people in the family. Politely.
When you win, that is. When you don’t win, well, you become the object of “scorn.”
And it’s all wonderful entertainment, and wonderful fun for everyone.
Next time someone in the family makes a mistake – in your opinion – then you should lead a vote. Good luck!
More
MrsMowry: Ode To Effort
Management and Parenting: Making It Work
Tammy’s Top Ten Reasons To Have Family Dinners
Parentables: If You’re Not Voting Republican, Leave The Dinner Table
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Love the research that illustrates the importance of family dinners. This is a big idea! Your family deserves nothing less.
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