Back to School

We've reached that point in summer vacation when the reality of the next school year is beginning to loom in our consciousness. We're still enjoying the laid back attitude that comes with summer, even if we've been out of school for years, there is something special about this time of year.

Make the kitchen a haven for family and productivity when this school year starts. Your kitchen can be a rallying point for the household, a place to meet, work and hang out. If your family is anything like mine, these three things happen in your kitchen daily and add a sense of stability to your family life.

1. Family dinners

Dinner is perhaps my favorite use of our kitchen. Bringing the family together to share a meal and talk about our days keeps us connected. It can seem easy to skip this experience with everyone's busy schedules, but sitting down at the end of the day to unwind with the most important people in your life will easy your mind and lift your mood. Making an effort to spend this time with your family reminds them how important they are to you. Get your mind off work and listen as your children tell you about their day, what they are doing in school, their teachers, and their friends.

2. Place to do homework

I have a boatload of memories from my childhood of coming home from school and immediately spreading out at the kitchen table to do my homework. I usually mindlessly nibbled on a snack while I worked out math problems, completed schedules readings and filled out worksheets. Even as an adult, when I have work to do at home, there is still something special about hunkering down at the kitchen table to get it done.

3. Don't forget breakfast

You've heard it a million times "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" and it's true. Start your day with breakfast, start your family's day with breakfast. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, but sit down at the table and relax while you eat it. You have the rest of the day to rush around, start with some peace and relaxation.