Week 9: A Different Kind of Family Dinner

This week was different. For the first time since beginning my 100 family dinners in 2025 journey, my kids weren’t at the table with me. Instead, they were spending spring break with their dad, and I found myself navigating a new chapter of parenting—one where love, connection, and presence had to stretch beyond the dinner table.

For the last nine months, my kids and I have been figuring out our new normal. Their dad and I have been together for 25 years, and are getting a divorce. While this transition hasn’t been easy, it’s been a time of growth, reflection, and deep listening. More than anything, I want my children to know that no matter how things change, my love and support for them will never waver. I want them to feel safe, heard, and understood as they navigate this shift in our family dynamic.

Holding Space Through Change

Research shows that teens who feel heard and supported during a family transition—especially through open communication—are more likely to develop resilience and emotional well-being. A study from the American Psychological Association found that adolescents who have supportive parental relationships during a divorce show lower levels of anxiety and depression. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about being present, validating their feelings, and giving them space to process in their own way.

And so, even though we weren’t physically together this week, I focused on maintaining our connection—through texts, check-ins, and simply reminding them that I’m always here.

Finding Comfort in Familiar Spaces

While my kids were with their dad, I spent the week visiting my mom and brother. My brother, who loves to cook, made delicious meals, and my mom treated me to all my hometown favorites—Mediterranean food, poke bowls, and the best Mexican restaurant. Sitting down with them reminded me of the power of family support, no matter how life shifts. It was comforting to share meals, reminisce, and feel the grounding presence of home.

I also took time to reconnect with my roots—catching up with neighbors who have watched me grow and sharing coffee with my childhood best friend, who has been a steady presence in my life through every season. These moments of connection filled my cup and reminded me that love and support come in many forms.

Love Is Bigger Than the Dinner Table

I won’t lie—I missed my kids at dinner. But I also know that this time apart was important for all of us. Love isn’t measured by the number of meals we share, but by the consistency of our presence in each other’s lives. As we continue this journey, I hope my kids always feel that love—at the dinner table, in a text message, or in the simple knowledge that I will always, always be here.

Here’s to week 10—a different kind of family dinner, but one filled with love just the same.