We have a nightly tradition of eating around the dinner table as a family. When eating together became a “tradition” I have no idea. It’s just what we’ve always done as a family.
I have 4 children. My boys are 17, 14 and 11. My little girl is 8. To spark intelligent conversation at the dinner table and connect with my kids, I instituted “highs and lows.” Each person–including Mom and Dad– shares one “high” of the day and one “low.”
At the time I felt it was important to acknowledge one thing that might be difficult during the day, but not spend unnecessary energy rehashing it and everything else that it brings (we do live in a universe of attraction, after all. And I’ve had too many talks backfire into pity parties to want to spend any more time on the “low” than is absolutely necessary).
I wasn’t sure which to start with–the good or the bad, so to speak. One night I decided I wanted to start with the lows instead of the highs. So I announced to the children, “It’s time for lies to hoes!” (You can imagine the reaction from my two older boys.)
Why do I share this with you? Because this is one tradition that has actually stuck. My kids love “lies to hoes,” and when we miss a few days, they’re quick to bring it up. And no, we didn’t actually call it lies to hoes beyond my first Freudian slip that night.
But what a great way to teach your kids gratitude, don’t you think?!
What ways do you get people to focus on gratitude? I’d love to hear your ideas!