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{SFTH} *The Family Dinner Table* 5/18/01
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The Family Dinner Table
By Jo Ann Wentzel
There are few places better to connect than the dinner table. You see
kids constantly without really seeing them. You shuffle them to and
from activities or pass them in the hall, but often do not even look at
each other. When people sit across form each other at mealtimes,
there is an opportunity to really be in touch.
Mealtimes should be pleasant in order to assure good digestion, but
when everyone is relaxed other phenomenon takes place. Families talk
to each other. They share their day, and sometimes casual remarks
lead to more enlightening conversations. This is your chance to touch
base and really know what your teen is doing.
When families do not talk at the dinner table as I have been told is custom
in some families, they miss out on an opportunity to know each other better.
Just rushing through eating makes it less of an enjoyment and almost a
chore. Even worse are those who never sit down at the same time to eat.
It is such an important concept, that dinner was often rescheduled in my
foster home so everyone could share this time together. It is tough with so
many extracurricular activities, but should be considered a goal worth
trying to achieve.
The priority of sharing mealtimes should be a closer more open relationship.
It is a good time to 'eyeball' your child and look for problem signs as
well.
This is the time to listen to new names, places, and activities that your
child holds important. These casual inclusions into your conversations may
offer you valuable clues when a problem develops. It may give you ideas on
where to look for your child if they are late or missing. It can also give
you insight into what types of activities they are engaged in. It's the perfect
opportunity to listen and take mental notes without grilling them. We
must always protect our children's safety even when they wish we would
not do so.
The most important part of mealtimes should be developing a closer bond
and really listening to your kids. Make an effort today to sit down together
at the dinner table and form a loving, and lasting, relationship with your
child.
Jo Ann Wentzel
wentzeljoann68@gmail.com
Send Jo Ann an e-mail and let her know what you thought of her article!
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A little bit about Jo Ann:
Jo Ann Wentzel has recently devoted her time to being an author rather than writing articles. Her parenting articles were so popular she wrote It Begins and Ends with Family now available as an e-book on Amazon. This book recounts fostering experiences and suggests some unique parenting techniques.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0131JBXOI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Her most recent accomplishment is a first novel. The novel, Ultimate Betrayal is a Christian thriller which speaks of the battle of good versus evil and takes place during ‘end times’. This ‘what if’ book looks at a time when people only care about their own selfish needs and a crime explosion has them wondering what to do with all the criminals. This book is on Create Space in print and Amazon in print and as an e-book. Kindle version is on sale now for $.99.
https://www.createspace.com/6058907
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Betrayal-Jo-Ann-Wentzel-ebook/dp/B01BA441Q8
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I Wonder What You are Thinking of?
by Miriam Campo
I wonder what you are thinking of
As you sit there staring about
Is it your younger years
When your skin was fair and your beauty declared
Do you see yourself walking in the park
With your beautiful dress, your heels and your bag
Or are you on the dance floor swaying back and forth
Dancing with your friends until forever more
I wonder what you are thinking of
What brings a smile unto your face
Are you a child again playing with your friends
Being mischievous and pure heart as most people that age
Do you see yourself as a new bride
Side by side your handsome prince
Or are you with your sons playing here and there
Making life a joyous time and showing them you care
I wonder what you are thinking of
As you sit there staring about
Do you wonder where the years went
And lament its sorrow good-byes
Do you see your younger self
Is that what comes to mind
Or are you happy that you are here
Living with your son and I
I wonder what you are thinking of
As you sit there staring about?.
Miriam Campo
Miry316@aol.com
E-mail Miriam and let her know what you thought of her story!
Copyright © 2000 by Miriam Campo, All rights reserved
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Miriam lives in Miami, Florida with her husband Phil. She is the Financial Manager for a fast growing Environmental Center at the State University. She spends her free time writing poetry, short stories about experiences in her life and making cards and gifts with rubber stamps. To read more of her poetry check out her webpage. http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members/?miry316
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Thought For The Day:
"Big people monopolize the listening. Small people monopolize the talking."
Verse for the Day:
"Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him."
Proverbs 29:20
Kid's Thought for the day:
"You won't get to see the big dipper, if you are afraid of the dark."
Parent's Thought For The Day
"The best time for you to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust."
Coach's Thought For The Day
We have met the enemy, and "they" is "us."
Deep Thought For The Day:
"One of my pet peeves is women who don't put the
toilet seat back up when they're finished."
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_
/_/\/\ MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\ / THUNDER27@aol.com
/_/ \ "For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
\_\/\ \ Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live for the Son
\_\/ of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
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