Finding time to connect as a family can be challenging, especially for busy mothers juggling multiple responsibilities.
Due to busy schedules and endless distractions, having a dedicated space for family meals has become more important than ever. In fact, a survey from the American Heart Association reveals that nearly all (91%) parents report lower levels of stress in their family when they regularly connect over a meal. According to Dr. Erin Michos, there are self-esteem benefits for kids, too, because family meals improve social connection.
Moreover, as we discussed in a previous post, dining together is a great way to model healthy eating behaviors to kids. When parents consume nutritious food, kids are more likely to mirror this behavior and develop healthy habits themselves. If you want family meals to happen more often, there are ways to create a dining room that facilitates family bonding. Below are a few simple tips to help busy moms craft a dining space that encourages shared mealtimes without sacrificing style.
Choose the right dining table
Selecting the perfect dining table is crucial for a family-friendly dining room, as it’s the main piece of furniture that everyone will gather around. Opt for a table that accommodates your family size and leaves room for guests. Consider dining tables with a bench, which can seat multiple kids comfortably and foster a communal vibe. The Gables Brown Rectangular Wood dining set is an ideal option. On Living Spaces, this dining table is described as being easy to clean and expandable up to 99 inches. Benches are also great space-savers since they can be tucked under the table when not in use, making the dining area look more polished. Plus, prioritizing a sturdy, durable table with a finish that can withstand spills and scratches is essential for a family with young children. This ensures that moms with a lot on their plate don’t have to spend extra time cleaning up the table after meals.
Opt for durable and easy-to-clean materials
A family-friendly dining room must handle spills, stains, and heavy use. As a busy mom, the last thing you want is to constantly spend money to replace expensive furniture or, worse, sacrifice precious time to conserve high-maintenance pieces. so, choose furniture and decor pieces made with materials that are both durable and easy to clean. For instance, if you have a baby or little kids requiring high chairs with a harness, go for models like the Tripp Trapp High Chair by Stokke. This minimalist high chair comes in many beautiful colors to match your dining room decor. Best of all, the harness is fully removable and machine washable for effortless cleaning. For furniture, opt for stain-resistant fabrics or leather for chairs. If you have upholstered dining chairs, consider slipcovers such as the Parsons dining chair covers from Amazon that can be removed and washed.
Incorporate ample storage solutions
Sometimes, no matter how beautiful a dining room table is, it can get buried under all manner of paperwork, children’s toys, and other clutter. To keep the dining area organized, integrate storage solutions that hide messes and keep the room tidy. Buffet tables, sideboards, or built-in cabinets can store table linens, dishes, and other dining essentials. Design experts at Realtor Magazine also advise that storage should never be placed in areas with high traffic. Its purpose should be to support daily life rather than make it harder – a key aspect for working moms. If space is limited, consider using vertical storage like wall-mounted shelves or cabinets. Additionally, furniture with hidden storage, such as a dining table with drawers or benches with lift-up seats, can provide extra space for storing items like board games, art supplies, or homework materials, making the dining room a functional space for the entire family.
As you invest time and effort into this special space, you’ll find that the benefits extend far beyond mealtime, enriching your family’s daily life with connection, joy, and lasting memories.
