Exploring the emotional and educational benefits of family time in the heart of the home

Undoubtedly, a kitchen is a busy compartment used for cooking food and also for having tea, lunch, and dinner. This is normal and mundane, but it has a great significance that contributes to a wide range of opportunities to learn new things from diverse subjects. One should develop the good habit of spending a few hours in the kitchen with their loved ones after dinner. Taking some time to discuss various topics not only increases our knowledge but also provides a formidable direction to choose the right things at the right time. It is often said that knowledge is not confined within the walls of institutions and libraries; it has different informal sources that also bridge the gap by shaping our minds with great ideas and thoughts. Book knowledge has its own importance in providing new insights and converting raw facts into realities, but knowledge with experience radiates enormously through the reflections of wisdom.
Parents always love to share valuable lessons with their children. We get enough time to rest in the kitchen after dinner. It is indispensable to gain knowledge and experiences shared by our elders, which benefit us greatly. Gone are the days when family members took ample time to share their thoughts with one another, developing curiosity and gaining pragmatic acquaintances about different aspects of life, such as budget planning, decision-making, the role of family heads, financial crises, and more. They taught many valuable lessons that not only keep us abreast of the facts but also generate a true sense of humility and empathy towards the lower classes. Their past experiences still have positive impacts on many families. Hence, the kitchen is a great source for obtaining knowledge in terms of traditional practices, sources of livelihood, education, and the practice of marriage.
Technology-driven energies have largely impacted human lives by cutting off emotional connections with loved ones, especially parents. Retreating to our rooms after dinner is a major cause of family separation. It is proven that mobile phones have drastically changed lifestyles, resulting in anxiety and negative thoughts. Valuing families is more important than anything else. Children need time from their parents to develop moral values and receive impressive lessons that foster a quality mindset, enabling them to observe things from different perspectives.
Following are ways that will surely bring respite to our lives:
Avoid sitting in separate rooms for long hours
This growing concern has destroyed families. We often avoid sitting in the kitchen after tea or dinner. It is time to enrich ourselves by spending quality time with our family members. Parents usually wait for their children to join them in the kitchen to listen to their thoughts and share their own.
Spend time with family to learn something
Elders have vast experiences to share, having traversed various fields and can provide valuable insights. Besides cooking, make the kitchen a knowledge-sharing compartment to better connect families.
Enjoy the company of your parents
Parents also need suggestions from their children. They often feel disappointed when their sons or daughters don’t pay attention to their talks. It is a great virtue to enjoy the company of our parents, staying with them, and sharing positive vibes.
Learn cooking in the kitchen
Spending time in the kitchen allows us to learn cooking from our mothers and prepare delicious cuisines, especially on auspicious occasions. The kitchen is a versatile compartment for learning different things.
Avoid using mobile phones immediately after tea and dinner
Stay away from mobile phones and ensure that family time is prioritized above all. Share positive vibes to fill voids, bringing everyone together.
The writer is a civil servant and can be reached at [email protected]

Mudasir Ali