Reflection

Illustration discussions:

• What is the family having for dinner? What is sister drinking in the glass?

• Can you find Mr. & Mrs. Stick? What words are they saying for the prayer?

• How did Mr. & Mrs. Stick get on the table? What did the kids do today ?
  
  

Activities

• Cultivate gratitude. Establish a tradition (dinnertime is a great setting) where each person tells something they are grateful for.

• Nurture compassion and empathy. “What was the hardest part of your day” leads family members to listen and offer support, if needed, for dealing with a problem.

• Encourage concern also for those who are less fortunate: “What can we do to help people who don’t have [food, clothing, a home]?” (See “Caring for others and possessions” for ways to put ideas into action.)

• Share your values and principles. Family reflective time is a perfect opportunity to share your grown-up perspective. Little kids often ask “big” questions -- about their place and purpose in the world, about right and wrong, about life in general. Draw on your wisdom, beliefs, and life experience to help them understand their world and develop sound judgement.

• If your family observes a particular faith, incorporate its special customs into family life to contribute to a sense of unity, celebration, and belonging to the larger faith community.