The best of times, the worst of times.  With the possible exception of bedtime, nothing reveals your stress level quite like a family meal.  We have attempted to keep mealtimes a true family time.  All sitting together at the table, no TV, no phones, maybe just some music in the background.  At its best: a joyful sharing of the day’s funny moments, a rolling wave of infectious giggles, each taking turns to choose the next song to be played, a great sense of closeness and warmth.

Sometimes it works the other way – a snappy or short-tempered comment can change the mood in a moment, and when people are tired or stressed the momentum can be impossible to bring back again. Nonetheless, it is something we do as a family. It is one of the things that anchor us.

(-Ian Dowley)

Find out about The Dad Book here.