🍴✨A year of 100 Dinners✨🍴

Connection Over Chaos: Why I’m Prioritizing 100 Dinners with My Teens This Year

Let’s be real—parenting teenagers can sometimes feel like trying to catch a shooting star with a butterfly net. They’re busy, distracted, and always on the go, leaving us parents wondering where the time (and our sweet, chatty kids) went. That’s why this year, I’m making it my mission to have 100 sit-down dinners with my teens. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about creating intentional moments of connection that will strengthen our relationship and help guide them through these pivotal years.

The Power of the Dinner Table

There’s something almost magical about sitting down together at the dinner table. It’s a pause button on the craziness of life, a moment where everyone’s phones are put away, and we can just be. But the benefits of family dinners go way beyond the warm fuzzies. Research backs this up:

• Better Academic Performance: Studies show that teens who regularly eat dinner with their families are more likely to excel academically. They tend to have higher grades and improved literacy skills. Why? Because these conversations build vocabulary, critical thinking, and a sense of stability.

• Improved Mental Health: Regular family meals are linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety in teens. It’s a time for them to decompress, feel heard, and know they’re supported.

• Healthier Eating Habits: Teens who eat with their families tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods—and less junk. And bonus: they’re less likely to develop disordered eating habits.

• Stronger Relationships: Sharing a meal fosters communication, connection, and trust. It’s not about lecturing or solving every problem but about creating a safe space where your kids know they can talk to you about anything.

  
  

Why Connection-Based Parenting Matters💬❤️

Connection-based parenting isn’t about being your teen’s best friend; it’s about building trust, mutual respect, and understanding. When we focus on connection, we’re sending the message: You matter to me. I see you. I hear you.

For me, dinner is the perfect time to foster that connection. It’s a natural space to ask open-ended questions, laugh at inside jokes, and learn about the quirky things they’re into. (And let’s be honest, half the time I’m just trying to keep up with TikTok trends they’ve already moved on from.)

Elevating the Dinner Experience🍎🥗🍝

This year, I’m not just aiming for 100 dinners. I’m also challenging myself to elevate our meals. That doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen or serving gourmet dishes every night. It’s about:

• Planning Healthy, Balanced Meals: Fueling our bodies with good food is part of taking care of each other. I’m trying to incorporate more fresh produce, proteins, and whole grains—and I’ll admit, I’ve got Pinterest on overdrive and am breaking out the cookbooks!

• Involving My Teens: I’ve found that letting my kids help choose or cook the meals makes them more invested. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach them life skills and sneak in some bonding time.

  It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to feel intentional.

  
  

Tips for Making Family Dinners Work🗓️🤗

I get it, life is busy, and sitting down for dinner isn’t always easy. Here’s how I’m making it happen:

1. Schedule It: Just like sports practices and work meetings, family dinners go on the calendar. Even if it’s just two or three nights a week, consistency matters. That is why my goal is 100. I know that every night will not be a sit down together night.

2. Keep It Flexible: Not every dinner has to be at 6 p.m. at home. A picnic at the park or takeout on the couch still counts. A breakfast together or lunch on the weekends counts too. The goal is connection, not perfection.

3. Limit Distractions: Phones, TVs, and other devices stay off the table. This is our time to focus on each other.

4. Ask Good Questions: Skip the generic “How was your day?” and try questions like “What made you laugh today?” or “If you could design your dream vacation, what would it look like?” We like to ask "Would you rather" questions. It usually leads to lively conversations. 

   
   

Final Thoughts

Parenting teens isn’t for the faint of heart, but I truly believe that focusing on connection makes all the difference. Sitting down for 100 dinners this year is my way of saying, “You’re important, and I want to spend this time with you.” It’s not about the food (though a good meal never hurts). It’s about showing up, being present, and creating memories that will last long after the plates are cleared.

So here’s to 100 dinners, countless conversations, and all the connection that comes with it. Who’s with me? ✨🍴