A REAL SUNDAY

For so long our Sundays were just like any other day,with either my son,or Pa working all weekend there was nothing to make Sunday different from the rest of the week. In the city real Sundays are almost extinct as people choose to go to the supermarket to shop for food of to the hight street to by furniture of clothes.

I believe Sundays should be special,that families should come together to share a meal and to catch up on the weeks events,such is the stuff which binds a family together.

Now that Pa no longer works and my son who is an author works from home we have lots of time for each other everyday. Even so we make certain that our Sundays are special beginning with a lazy Sunday breakfast usually of bacon rolls and ending with a traditional Sunday roast dinner with plenty of time in between for a walk a game of cards or just a long chat.

Unfortunately today the roast dinner did not happen as Pa forgot the take the lamb out of the freezer last night! We made just as merry however with plaice ,chips with a big salad ,the roast we shall have tomorrow.

As a family we have always tried to find time for each other and it has not always been easy. These days women work full time and it is not easy juggling a job with family life,I know I've done it.

There is no magic formula for a happy home but I believe that if the will is there it is possible.

If time is short involve the children in the preparation of a simple family meal,it does not have to be the a full on roast dinner. A cottage pie, toad in the hole of even burger and chips take on a completely different aspect when the whole family sits down around the table to eat, drink and chat.

Children love this family time and for the parents it is a chance to take notice of any changes in their child's demeanour, and listen to their news. Children love, and need to be listened to but often parents make the mistake of thinking their offspring too young to understand .

A family of our acquaintance arranged to move to another part of the country half way through the schools summer break and the first their children knew of this decision was when the removal men arrived to pack their home in to boxes. The result of this was not a happy one for either parents or children and the aftermath continues to this day.

Talk, talk and keep on talking,be sure that your children understand the reason for any decision you make on their behalf and above all never give them a moments doubt that they are loved. No amount of gifts and outings can make up for this knowledge and love is free,you don't need to max out your credit card at Toys are Us!!

I know this may sound preachy but it's a risk I am willing to take because if only one more child spends Next Sunday in a happy family atmosphere and ends the day feeling loved and precious it will have been worth it.