As we enter the 7th month of the COVID pandemic, we’ve heard from a number of families that they’re seeking the silver lining to the challenges they’ve faced. While COVID has certainly caused pain and difficulty for millions worldwide, the ways in which it has impacted family life has had some small positives for many.
When asked about how life at home has changed due to COVID-19, more than one family told us that they’ve particularly seen a positive impact at mealtimes.
“I’m not commuting 2 hours each way anymore. We all eat at home by 6 pm, at the table, and we cook and clean up together.” – Melissa, mother of 2
“We get takeout less often and make dinner together more often. Sometimes our daughter even makes dinner for the whole family.” – Stephanie, mother of a teen daughter
“Before, my husband used to commute hours, and it was hard to predict when to serve dinner or if we would have to eat without him. We still eat later than I would like some days, but everyone is together now.” – Julie, mother of 2
“I’ve even been eating lunch with my kids. Very grateful.” – Marian, parent of 2 teens
Among the many reports of improved dinner routines, parents told us their kids were doing more in the kitchen — one mom recounted how her daughter is baking brownies every week “because PRIORITIES!”, while other families mentioned that extra time at home has meant they can teach basic cooking skills. Parents of teens shared stories of from-scratch Swedish meatball dinners, weekly kitchen experiments and newfound enthusiasm for helping with family meals.
None of these stories are entirely surprising. Last month, we shared that the Guelph Family Health Study reports a 70% increase in families cooking together since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and these families’ accounts seem to confirm the numbers. However, there are other ways in which COVID has changed dinner for some families.
“For a while, I cooked more from scratch…however, as work-from-home has become normalized, I’m working longer hours. It’s 50/50 now.” – Val, empty-nester
“With so much time spent doing more digital preparation (for my job), I have so much less time to cook. Everyone has it hard in their own way these days.” – Mike, single adult
“We now watch shows at dinner. We are together ALL DAY. We talk ALL DAY. At dinner time, I just need a d**** break…” – Amy, single parent of 2
These changes to dinner are also understandable. And they reinforce what we’ve always known: That what works for one family doesn’t necessarily work for another. There are as many ways to have dinner as there are families, and particularly during times of stress, we have to allow our rituals the space to change as needed.
As we all confront a long fall and winter of continued uncertainty — including possible changes to our holiday celebrations — we encourage families to look for the ways that change and flexibility can be positive. Whether it’s the pride in watching a child grow in responsibility, the sweet comfort of homemade brownies or the much-needed mental health break that comes from bending dinnertime rules, changing with the times can be good for us.
Get Inspired: Kids in the Kitchen
In September, we partnered with our friends at the Zen of Slow Cooking to share some inspirational videos of kids getting into the kitchen to help with dinner. Watch 11-year-olds Patrick and Connie cook family dinner on Instagram!
Family of the Month
Individual families aren’t the only ones changing habits due to COVID. This month, we’re sharing the story of how our partners at the Idaho Office of Drug Policy changed their plans to help families with Idaho Family Dinner Night.
Real Family Dinner Projects: Partnering with the Idaho Office of Drug Policy
Food
Make the Baked Veggie Quesadillas Connie demonstrated in her IGTV video — they’re perfect for emerging kitchen skills!
Fun
This year’s Halloween celebrations might not be exactly what we’re used to. Try our ideas for at-home Halloween fun!
Conversation
Speaking of change…The US Presidential Election is coming up soon. Help your family discuss important issues like voting and democracy with these conversation starters from our friends at the nonpartisan educational organization Vote by Design.