I think it's only fair that I offer a warning here, I'm pretty sure I could write a whole book on this topic as it's something that's very important to me! Often, family dinner time does not get enough credit these days and too many families are so busy they can't find an opportunity to sit down together on any sort of a regular basis.

I totally get it and it happens to us sometimes as well. That's why I'm always trying to find easier ways to make dinner so that it's all ready to go as soon as we get home. This is why I end up using my slow cooker the majority of the time and I try to encourage others to do the same. On the other hand, if you are just throwing food together to get dinner on the table, that's no good either. Everyone deserves delicious food! That's why I spent years coming up with delicious recipes that were still slow cooker friendly but different from what you might expect! This way it's still so easy to get dinner on the table but you are able to use wholesome ingredients combined in delicious ways!

If you're like me and see the value in family dinner time and want to find ways to encourage your kids, significant other, friends, etc. to sit down to dinner together here are some ideas:

1. Make a plan! A plan is key, and knowing what days will work best with everyones schedule will help reduce stress. Schedule dinner for those days like you would other activities and everyone will know they can count on it!
2. Let everyone in on the meal selection. Sit down together on the weekend and ask for input on what they would like to have for dinner that week. Or rotate which person gets to pick their favorite meal for the week. When they are really looking forward to it they will make sure to be there on time!
3. Mix it up! Do something unexpected like move your meal outside to the backyard and have a picnic. Or make your dinner fancy and candlelit! Something simple but a change from the typical routine will give everyone something to talk about.
4. Divide up the chores. Don't leave all of the work on one person, that's not fair! If everyone pitches in to cook, set the table, clean up, package up leftovers, etc. then it's never too much work for any one person and the work will be done in no time.
5. Invite friends or neighbors from time to time. Sharing food with others is fun and a great way to develop friendships! Plus, it will be fun!
6. Add some fun elements, like cute napkins, silly plates or crazy glasses so that everyone scrambles to be first to the table to get their favorite! We use different color plates and it's so fun how we each have our favorites.
7. And of course, plan your meal, prep ahead as much as possible, and keep dinner time stress free!