Week Three of 100 Family Dinners: Quality Over Quantity

This week, I managed to get in three family dinners—not as many as I’d hoped, but with a packed schedule full of appointments, I’ll take it as a win. (That is 11 dinners total) More and more, I’m realizing that this challenge isn’t just about hitting a number; it’s about creating meaningful moments whenever and however we can.

Taco Tuesday & A Simple Frozen Lasagna

Tuesday was taco night—a staple in our house. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit (even if my daughter prefers just the taco shell 🙄). On Thursday, I leaned into simplicity with a frozen lasagna. Nothing fancy, but it meant we still sat down together, and that’s what really mattered. Not every meal needs to be gourmet to be meaningful.

A Different Kind of Family Bonding

By the weekend, I felt like we hadn’t spent enough real time together, so I planned something different: a rage room experience. We suited up, wore eye protection, and let loose! My daughter loved it; my son? Not so much. Turns out, smashing things isn’t for everyone.

Afterward, we went out for a meal, choosing a restaurant off the beaten path. Taking a chance on a new place paid off big time. We were treated to the most incredible dining experience—a warm bread loaf with a butter candle melting into it (yes, a butter candle! 🕯️🥖), plus shrimp and veggie fondue. The meal was slow, intentional, and exactly what we needed. Phones were put away. We caught up, laughed, and just enjoyed being together.

The Power of Saying ‘I Don’t Know’

At dinner, I like to ask my kids if there’s anything they’re curious about—something they want to understand better. This week, a family member had been in the hospital, and they had questions. I answered what I could, but there were moments when I simply didn’t know the answer.

I learn a long time ago that saying “I don’t know” might make me seem unhelpful, but research actually supports the idea that admitting uncertainty is beneficial for kids. Experts say that when parents acknowledge they don’t have all the answers, it teaches children critical thinking, resilience, and curiosity. According to a study published in Child Development, kids learn better when they see adults navigating uncertainty rather than pretending to know everything. It also strengthens trust—children feel more confident that when you do give them information, it’s honest and reliable.

Of course, there were also things I wasn’t comfortable sharing yet. I explained that some details weren’t mine to tell and that we’d have to wait. My kids don’t love that answer, but boundaries are important. Not everything needs to be discussed immediately, and teaching them patience and respect for privacy is part of the process.

Takeaways from Week Three

• Not every dinner will be fancy or even homemade, and that’s okay. What matters is the time spent together.

• Breaking routines can create unexpected bonding experiences. Trying something new—even if it’s just a restaurant—can spark

  connection in ways you wouldn’t expect.

  
  

• It’s powerful to model uncertainty for our kids. Letting them see that we don’t always have all the answers teaches them to think critically and ask questions.

What about you? How are you connecting with your kids this week? Have you ever told them “I don’t know” and found it led to an even better conversation? Let me know in the comments! 💬🍽️