Ok I confess
We were a "Meal on a Tray" Family

But I have seen the light

My family being of scattered ages, would always have issues over Meal Times.
The youngest two would be wanting to catch the childrens TV so they would

have their meal on trays in one room, my daughter would always be out so her meal would either be keeping warm in the oven, in the bin, uncooked at all or a quick sandwich late at night. As for me I would either by sitting on my own watching "Home and Away" or eating on the run whilst still clearing up

But No More

We have gone back to Family Basics and I would recommend it to all families that have gotten out of the habit of eating their meals together.

Set a Time
Now everyone knows that evening meal will be at 6pm, unless I have been told they are elsewhere then all meals are dished up ready.

Get Children Involved
My boys help out. We either eat the 'posh' way where they get out the best glasses and use table mats and napkins or the casual way where it is all about serving tongs and hot plates to put the dishes on as the meal is a 'Help Yourself" this is usually when I cook up all the little bits hanging around and we have a big feast of left overs. The kids Love this meal.
The boys interact and enjoy laying the table and getting all the condiments in the centre.
Sometimes we even get carefully folded napkins
Sometimes they top it off with place settings
The point is I cook the meal they have fun setting the table.

No Distractions
When we are all sitting up, we make sure there are no distractions.
No Television
No Mobile Phones
No Video Games
Just as and the meal

Conversation
This is a great chance when everyone is together to talk about each persons day. Be interested in what the others are saying and makes sure everyone has their chance to speak. Don't use this time for adult conversation such as politics or current events etc. This is the time to sit and learn about each others day. Encourage the children to share about their thoughts and opinions.
Whilst altogether this is a good time to discuss anything that involves the whole family but nothing heavy going that would cause upsets, discussions such as what colour shall we paint the kitchen
Keep the conversation light and flowing.
If you notice one of the children is quiet or looking for trouble. Ask them to come and talk to you after the meal. Don't embarrass them at the meal time. causing a "Whats wrong with you conversation starting up"
If there is nothing to discuss, tell jokes!
My children can go on for hours making jokes/comments about the meal usually centred around look at the shape of this veg!!!!!

Don't Rush
Take your time over the meal
Instill the discipline of sitting at the table until everyone has finished
Don't rush or pressurise the last person to be eating.

Clearing up Together
Ask a chore of everyone to help in the clearing up. Even if its to just take their plates to the sink, rinse and put in the dishwasher.
Keep them involved.

Thank Everyone
At the end of  a successful mealtime together, thank everyone.
Thank them for eating your meal that you worked hard on
thank them for helping you set up and clear up
finally
thank them for allowing everyone to have a pleasant meal time.

Hope you all Enjoy Your Meals