Many things can happen spontaneously during a family meal -

• We share family stories
• We support one another by offering help for concerns or struggles
• We share family values and expectations
• We problem solve

But many families feel they are just too busy to make time for mealtime.  So, if your life is hectic, how can you begin to change the pace of your life and find time to share a meal? 

• Set a regular family mealtime, even if it just once a week.  It doesn't have to be dinner, either - breakfast works just as well.
• Make it simple and quick - simple meals, even cold sandwiches taste as good as meals that take longer to prepare.  This also gives you more time to spend together as a family.
• Show that family meals are important - turn off the TV, don't answer the phone, and turn off your electronic devices.
• Eat around a table.  It is easier to talk and listen when you are facing each other.
• Enjoy meal talk.  Make easy conversations - don't nag or complain.  Allow everyone a chance to talk.

Since I say breakfast can work as your family mealtime, here is a simple recipe that can be made that morning or ahead of time, like the night before.  (It was originally a healthy dessert recipe, but I think it works just as well for breakfast.)

Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies

1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup peanut butter
3 cups cereal (unsweetened), your choice

Boils sugars and syrup until sugar is dissolved - mixture will have come to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the ingredients (vanilla, peanut butter, and cereal). Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper. 

Enjoy!