How we combine family time with breakfast time
Do you want to live a simpler and slower life that is filled with joy and calm? A good way to do just that is to start the day off with some calm and enjoyable family time. And what could be a better time than breakfast?
Why is family time important?
It seems obvious that spending time with each other would be important. But why is it so important? And I suppose the main reason would be because we don’t just want to be strangers that just happen to live in the same house. Ideally, we want to truly know each other, so that when your daughter sends you that “do you know me” quiz. That you can actually answer the questions correctly.
We chose to bring these people into the world, so why wouldn’t we want to get to know them and spend time with them.
But spending time with your family is about more than getting to know each other. It’s also about giving your children a feeling that there is a place in the world where they belong and are loved for who they are.
And by giving them that feeling of belonging, we also make sure that they won’t be forced to find that among less than ideal friends. It will teach them about their self-worth, which will give them enough strength to say no to those types of people. Because a feeling of belonging and knowing one’s self-worth are essential to a healthy self-esteem and a happy life.
Bonding with your children during breakfast
I like to make sure that during breakfast, we spend plenty of time chatting and enjoying each other’s company. Our eldest will often tell me about what her plans are for the day and what strange dreams she’s had that night. My husband and I like to exchange ideas and talk about the day ahead. The youngest, who doesn’t do a lot of talking, likes to draw after she is finished with her breakfast. Most days, we all join in and show her how to draw certain things or draw her requests.
Because breakfast is a communal event in our household, it is the perfect moment to spend some quality time together. I find that since we start the day off in this manner, we end up seeking each other out more throughout the day. When someone suggests some plans for the day, we can plan the day around it. This makes sure that every day is lived to the fullest, which is what we all strive for. Isn’t it?
Since all our meals are communal, you could think they would all count towards family time. But we find that during lunch we tend to mainly talk about work and school. Which diminishes the whole inclusiveness that we’re trying to nourish during our breakfast time. At dinner times, my husband and I tend to be a little tired from the day. And notice we can’t be as engaged with the girls as we would like to be.
Maybe for your family, another communal mealtime would be better suited. After all, our lives are all different and unique, so what works for one might not for another. But by choosing one moment during the day that you dedicate to family time. You will notice that you as a family will grow closer.
The Importance of weekly family time
Now I do recommend, that apart from your daily moment you also schedule in a weekly dedicated family time. This is ideally something that lasts a bit longer than breakfast time.
Some good ideas for these family moments would be creating something together. Whether you are baking biscuits, painting, or some type of papercraft. Maybe you prefer playing in the yard together, especially when the weather warms up this can be wonderful. If you prefer something less intense, watching a nice film, or playing a (board)game can be nice. We’ve been playing an online game that our eldest really likes together with her gran and her uncle and an auntie. She loves these moments, partly because she gets to play a game. But mainly, I feel, because she knows that all these people are there for her.
We also really like to go on weekly nature walks where we encourage them to explore their environment. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t walked your 10.000 steps or anything, the main thing is to get them excited about the walk. So that they will want to spend time outdoors together.
Teaching your children about slowing down and living a simpler life
Even though the main goal for family time is for bonding. It is also a good moment to instil in your children what values your find important. Since we’re living in a world where society tends to focus on the new and shiny things in life. It might be good to show, how consumerism might not be the answer to happiness.
By showing children the peace and happiness, you gain from living intentionally and simply. Show them the magic that is creating, have them make something. Doesn’t matter if it is perfect or social media worthy. The main thing is that they experience the feeling that they can create and build things with their own hands. I also talk about this, in my post why kids should knit.
I’ve recently been teaching my eldest daughter some more about sewing. And she keeps being mind blown about the fact, that something which was once a piece of cloth, is now clothing. I love being able to see the wonder in her eyes when she realises once again how SHE made something HERSELF. It is the same reason she loves writing fiction stories, it is the same reason we all love certain hobbies.
Because through creation, we find a self-worth and a confidence that is essential for a happy life.
And once we realise that all we need are our hands and our imagination, we automatically live a simpler life. Because we realise that we no longer need or want the latest gadgets. And no longer feel the need to keep up with the neighbours.
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