LIVE WELL
Dinner and Good Conversation
This summer, the YMCA of Central Florida is focusing on (re)connecting—we want you to reconnect with yourself, friends, and family. When it comes to taking care of your own mental, spiritual, and physical health, the Y has services and programs that’ll help you reach your wellness goals. For instance, you can unwind after a stressful day with a Tai Chi group exercise class, take a few solo laps around one of our sparkling pools, or even visit select family centers on a Sunday for church service. However, reconnecting with loved ones is a bit different. One of the best ways to get (back) in touch with your family and friends is by having a genuine conversation, and what better place is there to start a conversation than around the kitchen table? Between sports practice, extracurricular activities, working late, and other situations that pop up each week, you may feel like your family doesn’t have time to eat dinner together. Yet often times, conversations around the dinner table can be some of the most uplifting and educational experiences for everyone. You might hear a fact about each other that you never knew, find out how to better communicate with each family member, or even start a new tradition. Making a point to set aside time for a family meal and engage with others is a great way practice truly listening to and learning from loved ones. Regardless of whether your meal is homemade, takeout, or leftovers, gather your family together and strike up a conversation around the
table—no screens allowed! be able to fly?” You’re only limited by Avoid asking close-endyour imagination! Get as silly as you want to with ed questions that can be these and let everyone answered with “yes” or at the table have a turn “no.” Open-ended questions help encourage con- coming up with their own versations to keep going question. Give each family and also give you an member the opportunity opportunity to ask a folto share their opinion below-up question. Here are fore moving on to the next some suggestions to get a question. deeper conversation started: What funniest thing happened to you today or made you smile? If you had superpowers, Let your kids laugh and what would they be and how would you use them giggle or feel proud for a moment by asking them for good? about their happiest moA question like this helps ment of the day. Don’t to open up the imagination and makes you and push for more information, simply listen and your kids think about different ways we can help focus on your child’s feelings. Be sure to share your people. You might also learn about an issue that’s happiest moment, too. weighing on your child’s mind that he or she might not be able to articulate in another way.
Remember, you can have conversations with your family anywhere, not just around the dinner table. Keeping conversations open is a great way to communicate with your family. Make sure that you listen to what others have to say. Never pass judgment rather than give advice and support. Keeping your family active is one of the main ways to ensure everyone stays healthy, but remember, it’s important to slow down and strengthen emotional and mental connections just as much as it is to work out to strengthen physical ones.
What was your favorite part of the day? While this is a fairly general question that we ask often, it’s a simple way to start a conversation. A question like this lets your kids know that you care about and are interested in their opinions and feelings. Don’t forget to share your favorite part of the day as well! What is your favorite thing to do with our family? By asking this question, you’ll hear your family’s thoughts on the things they like to do. This can help in planning that quality time with them in the future, and give you a good working list of ideas and activities that the whole family will enjoy. Try some “Would you rather?” questions like… • “Would you rather go to the beach or the mountains, and what would you do when you got there?” • “Would you rather be a giraffe or an elephant, and why?” • “Would you rather be able to turn invisible or
GROW TOGETHER AT THE AVALON PARK Y! This summer, it’s time to rediscover everything you may have missed out on the past year! At the Y, we’re committed to not only being your home for health and wellness, but also a place of community and belonging. We’re more than just a gym—we’re a community. Develop relationships, achieve your goals, and belong to something bigger than yourself. We offer programs and activities for your entire family to get happy and healthy together! • Member Discounts Up To 50% On Programs & Early Registration • Youth Sports • Swim Lessons • Group Exercise Classes • Personal Training
AVALON PARK YMCA 12001 Avalon Lake Dr M-P Orlando, FL 32828
ymcacf.org The YMCA of Central Florida is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our community.
