I know there are some families out there who are able to achieve this lofty goal, but my family is simply not one of them. Between soccer practice, homework, dance, work, and the rest that life throws at us, dinner often lands at the bottom of a very long to-do list. After thinking about it though, I realized that I probably am not the only mom out there who knows the importance of gathering the family for dinner but can’t seem to make it happen as often as I’d like.

Studies have found lots of compelling reasons why we should all make the family dinner hour a priority. Children of families who eat dinner together regularly are less likely to have problems with drugs and alcohol as teens. They are more likely to get better grades. They have improved scores in language and literacy.

So instead of feeling bad about not eating around the dinner table every night, try these tips to help make the dinner hour at your house something to be proud of, whenever you manage to gather together:

1. Don’t worry so much about the food. I know that might seem like an unusual recommendation, but sometimes as parents we get so overwhelmed by coming up with the perfect meal that we end up giving up and serving the kids cereal while they watch television in the den! Of course, you should aim to provide healthy and yummy meals as often as you can, but if menu planning is what’s keeping you from gathering your family around the dinner table, accept that you can share quality time whether you’re eating hot dogs or filet mignon.

2. Develop a few family dinner rituals. Sit at the table. Say the blessing. Use your manners. Take turns setting the table. Help clean up after dinner. Even if you only eat together twice a week, try to follow the same routine at each meal.

3. Keep technology away from the table. As best you can, try to keep the dinner table a sacred spot free of the distractions technology offers. Turn off your television, cell phone, iPod, computer, and other gadgets, or leave them in another room while you eat.

4. Make conversation a priority. Some of the best family conversations happen around the dinner table, but sometimes it’s hard to get everyone talking. To get the conversation started at our dinner table we go around to each member of the family and say “Tell us about your day today.” We like to hear about the activities of the day, the best part, and the worst. Each family member (including mom and dad) takes center stage and the kids love it. Don’t get me wrong, we still have normal conversations, but this activity never fails to get each child involved and get us all talking.

5. Repeat as often as you can. We may not all be able to sit around the dinner table six out of seven nights. No matter how hard we try, we may only get there two or three nights a week. Just try to have a family dinner as many nights a week as you can. I’ve learned that as with many things in life, it’s the quality not the quantity that counts.