Week 4 of 100 Family Dinners: One-on-One Time Matters

This week looked a little different. I only had two days at home with the kids, so I made sure to prioritize dinner with them both. But it didn’t exactly look like the picture-perfect family meal you might imagine.

Sunday was our more traditional family dinner. I had planned to make a big Sunday roast, but let’s just say things didn’t go as planned. Instead, we ended up with a simple pasta dinner. But you know what? It didn’t matter. We sat down together, we ate, and we talked. And that’s the real point of all of this.

Monday was a different story. The kids were gearing up for the week, and I was preparing to be gone. My daughter had rehearsal until 6 PM, and my son was starving at 4 PM when he got home from school. Instead of forcing a meal together at an inconvenient time for one of them, I leaned into what worked. I had dinner with my son first—we ate, we watched TV, we caught up. Then, after picking up my daughter, I sat down for dinner with her. It wasn’t a “family dinner” in the traditional sense, but it was quality time with both kids. And that matters just as much.

Why One-on-One Time Matters

Spending one-on-one time with your kids isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential for their emotional and social development. Research shows that individualized attention from parents strengthens parent-child bonds, boosts kids’ self-esteem, and even improves their behavior. According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, children who receive regular one-on-one time with their parents tend to have higher emotional intelligence and better coping skills. It also creates a safe space for kids to open up, helping them feel heard and valued.

So while I may not have hit a perfect three-meals-together week, I did make sure my kids felt seen and supported. And that’s what really matters. How do you fit one-on-one time into your busy schedule? Let’s share ideas! 💬💕