I was in the grocery store the other day and I saw a large display with the title “Make it a Family Night.” I got excited until I looked a little closer at what foods they wanted you to serve your family on family night. The display consisted of various types of chips, canned dips, popcorn, various types of candy and soda. A special on a movie rental went along with the snacks.
The display in the grocery store was actually mislabeled. It should have read, “Make it a Movie Night” not a family night. The purpose of a movie night is to enjoy the movie. I love movies and the thing that relaxes me the most is watching an old movie for two hours. I don’t know what occurs at your home, but when I talk during a movie my family gets upset. They ask me repeatedly to be quiet because they want to follow the action on the screen. That is a reasonable request because the purpose of the night is to enjoy the movie.
The purpose of a family night is to enjoy your family. Enjoyment means talking to them, listening to them, and giving them your undivided attention to be able to pick up all of the nuances of their stories and conversation. You can’t give your family undivided attention when you're watching a movie. I realize there is some pleasure in just sitting next to each other on the couch, but that physical closeness doesn't take the place of conversation. Even though you sat together, when the evening is done, you won't be able to recount the details of your family’s day, but you will be able to talk about the movie.
There’s a time and place for movie nights and family nights. Just don’t confuse the two.
Cooking is easier than you think and you and your family are worth the time and effort it takes.
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