The number one thing we did to bring our family closer together:
We started to eat dinner every single night at our table.

That one single change. That one thing. 

I won't lie and say this change was easy. It didn't go without grumbles and complaints from almost every single one of us. We were used to our life and how we did things. But no one was angry that we were doing it, it was just inconvenient when we were used to having that time to do something, anything, else. But honestly none of the other things were as important as this thing, this time spent together. 

Having one pool float is a lot of fun. A donut floating around in the pool is definitely cool, taking pics in it or with it, more cool. Rock star even. But having a whole pile of fun pool floats feels like being a rock star. Living the rich life. It's an easy way to create a trendy space for our teens to hang out with their squad. Honestly, squad goals. 

Working together to make these changes for Jack have made huge differences in his life. We gave him choices within our guidelines and he thrived. He is happier, healthier, more communicative, and more open.  He sleeps better, he interacts more with his family, he is just more agreeable and easy going. Overall, we are all happier. 

We’re completely different people than we were 2 years ago. Did we change ourselves completely? No, silly.  I still hate shrimp, country music and kale. Jeffrey still loves the Amazing Race and Survivor. Halle is still a sneaker head and wants to buy all the shoes, Ari was never a fan of mashed potatoes and she still won’t touch them, and Jack is still a negotiator despite my best efforts to tell him I’m always in charge. At the end of all that though, we are different. and our family is different. We are in a much better place than we used to be.