The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time

An absolute must-have!!!!! Outstanding resource!

Thank you a hundred times over for writing this book. It has truly changed the lives of everyone in my family. I have four children ages 3 to 11. They participate in every activity from travel baseball and basketball to horseback riding, dance and everything in between. As each child was born and we were spread more and more thin, somehow family dinners in my home literally ceased to exist. I would actually long for the end of the day to have a peaceful dinner by myself or with my husband after putting everyone to bed. Then i heard you, Laurie, on Dr. Oz's show a few weeks ago and i was captivated. I ordered the book and now carry it around like a Bible, reading every quote, idea, comment and recipe. When i first started reading it i actually cried because it was so scary to me that i almost missed this crucial piece in the development of my children. I have also told so many people about this book and it is spreading like wildfire. One of my friends who is a teacher has shared it with her class and they are going home and telling their parents they have to and want to eat together as a family. I am now doing a "FAMILY DINNER" gift basket for our PTA Auction and i'm having the kids create and decorate cards with games and conversation starters. We'll also include your book, placemats, candles, placemats, spaghetti, marinara, etc. if i can get the parents to donate. I will also be giving this type of a basket to people as gifts, every chance i get! I bought SAT picture cards and the Book of Words YOu Should Know. My kids put projects, tests, etc. in the middle of the table after school and share them at dinner time. We play gams, learn new words and discuss world issues. It has changed or lives. I thought it would be impossible to do with our schedules but somehow we have managed to carefully weave these dinners into our day. My husband has even phoned in from the airport. I lay the phone on the table and put it on speaker if he is out of town. Oh, and the recipes are oh soooo good! Tacos, sausage and white bean stew, tomato soup, chicken parm,...... My five-year-old shared his "rose" last week at dinner and said that his "rose" was having family dinner. He also calls it having restaurant sometimes( because of the candles) ithink that's the cutest! I now look forward to these dinners together with my family more than anything! Thank you, Kisha

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highly recommend

This was an amazing book. I have 4 children, 9 years old, 5 years old, 4 years old, and 9 months old. Since reading this book I have incorporated a lot of things from the book. The first couple nights were rough as my kids weren't use to family dinners but after that it has been wonderful. Not too fond of the recipes but the information in the book is great. I would highly recommend this book.

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The Family Dinner... Food for Thought

This book is a truly lovely and inspiring collection of ideas and recipes, which all center on an endangered species; the ritual of family dinner. David's style is honest, warm and approachable. Uhrenholdt's recipes are easy to follow and delicious! I have already tried several. There are little gems on every page. My family is grown now, but this book made me long for those good ole days!

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The Best Mommy Primer AND Cookbook You'll Ever Buy!

There isn't a mother I know, who doesn't profit greatly from the ease and access afforded them by technology --but who doesn't fear its overall impact on her children --and herself-- in the future. It has completely destroyed any sense of non-working time and privacy. This book is a reminder that the entire universe exists within our homes when our families are with us. Nothing is more important than cultivating these connections, and this book gives you insightful, creative and effective ways to establish bonds that will endure for generations-all while teaching how to cook delicious dinners that are healthy for your family and the planet, as well. The resource guide at the end of the book is worth the purchase alone!

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A Mouth-Watering Must-Read

Soup to nuts, Laurie David's The Family Dinner is a must-have for anyone who cares about nutrition, simple (and nutritious) recipes, and even family meals after divorce. Most of all, in these texting-at-the-table days, it is a road map for a much-needed, lost tradition: connecting with your kids at dinnertime. The recipes are out of this world (Speedy Pasta in a Pan is next on my list) and the presentation is pure eye candy (though the nutritional kind!) The Family Dinner has already made my holiday-shopping a whole lot easier.

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A must have!!

Not just a cookbook! But a book to read, fun and whismical and yet informative... The icebreaker for every young family, teaching them to embrace food at its source... Embrace the book and it'll nurture you. Definately know what everybody is getting for Christmas!!

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This book is rich beyond measure

I just received my copy of The Family Dinner and fell completely into its rich stories, amazing recipes (thank you so much for the mostly vegetarian approach), and creative suggestions for engaging children into the ritual. This is a book I will keep in my kitchen, share with my friends, children and grandchildren, and read just for the enjoyment of it. It is rich beyond measure. What an amazing accomplishment for the author.

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