Depending on where you live, March may be coming in like its characteristic lion, or it may already be showing its kinder, fluffier lamb side. Either way, we know that this month marks the annual turning point towards Spring, with sunshine and new seeds sprouting all around us!
This March, we’re focusing on how family dinner can plant seeds of its own: the seeds of good health, not just physically but emotionally, socially and academically as well. When you sit down with your family each night, you’ve got a unique opportunity to grow something special. Here are some ways to get things going this month:
Grow Good Health: Veg Out! with Recipe for Success
We’re teaming up with our friends at the Recipe for Success Foundation to spread the word about their Veg Out! Challenge. This month, they’ll feature a new vegetable each day and provide recipes and cooking tips to help you try it out.
Research shows that eating regular family dinners results in greater consumption of fruits and vegetables, and is a predictor of healthier eating habits lifelong. We’ll be joining Recipe for Success and helping you capture those great healthy eating benefits at your dinner table by featuring a Veg Out! vegetable and main dish recipe every week as part of our Dinner Tonight series. Make sure to follow along and try something new!
New to Dinner Tonight? Check out our archives »
Grow Good Ideas: Make like a Founding Father with Benjamin Franklin Circles
Political fervor is heating up as the Presidential Primaries head towards Super Tuesday. We can’t think of a better time to examine the teachings of an influential figure in the shaping of America, or a better time to take a closer look at our own ideals. The Family Dinner Project has teamed up with the 92Y to create a new resource for engaging your friends and family in a fun, civic-minded dialogue at the dinner table. Check out our work on the new Benjamin Franklin Circles initiative and take this opportunity to plant some seeds of wisdom and civic engagement!
Read more about Ben Franklin Circles and download our resources »
Grow Good Social Skills: Give Peace and Understanding a Place at the Table
We often hear from families that one of their challenges with instituting a regular family dinner routine is making sure that the table is a tension-free zone. While the occasional disagreement or tough topic is bound to come up at dinnertime, getting all the social and emotional benefits associated with family dinner is much more likely if the table’s a place for peace rather than a war zone. Dr. Anne Fishel has practical tips and strategies you can use tonight to banish conflict and tension from your dinner table for good.
Get Dr. Fishel’s tips on How to Beat Tension and Conflict from Your Family Dinner »
Food
Get in the veggie spirit with these Veggie Waffles — perfect for family dinner, family breakfast, or anytime!
Fun
Trying to sow the seeds of good habits by keeping younger kids at the table for a little extra time? Check out our ideas for occupying busy tablemates after they’re done eating!
Conversation
Plant some curiosity about scientific discovery with this out-of-this-world Conversation of the Week!