How to start cooking and eating meals around the table.

I know life is hurried and food is grabbed on the run. And I know sometimes the only time left to eat is in the car, much less sitting at the table with a cooked meal. I do think it would help so many families if just for one meal a day, a week, a weekend, the family could sit down, check-in, and pass bread to each other.Here are a few helpful hints or suggestions that have worked for me.
1. Sit down, write a simple menu on an index card.
2. Check your menu for items needed to prepare.
3. Basic stuff. Meat, vegie, noodles, bread. My family doesn't do casseroles.
4. Look at your work , school and whatever else schedule and choose one or two nights that might work.
5. Look at your morning schedule and pick a couple that might work.
6.Mornings are hectic, but getting up a few minutes early to eat a muffin, scrambled eggs or cheese cake is such a great time to look at everybody, listen, hear about what is happening for the day. It truly doesn't take more than 20 minutes.
7. Discuss your new ideas about eating a couple of meals together, with your family, and involve them in menu choices.
8. Don't fret over a 7 course dinner, keep it simple, but do try foods that your family will like as they will sit longer at the table to eat.
9. I know we mother's have such a full plate already, so delegate, prepare ahead, use as few utensils as possible, but use real plates. It makes the food better and saves the universe.
10. Buy some cheap candles. Light them. Dim the lights. Look at your loved one's faces around the table. Pass your pasta, baked chicken or whatever, even peanut butter and jelly, and be with your family for nourishment, simple conversation. I promise, everyone will be changed, and you make need to replace your candles.