Our family has a dinner tradition that began when I was a child. At a preset time, we turn off the technology - television set, iPad, Gameboy, and computers. And we each do our part in preparing for the meal. The tasks usually include emptying the dishwasher, setting the table, and preparing the food. We enjoy our meal and pleasant dinner conversation. At the end of the meal, each of us assists with clearing the table and moving the dishes to the sink.

As a child, I lived through the Star Trek era. Life was simpler back then. Dinner time was set at 6 p.m. every day. I was raised with six brothers and one sister. My mother had to prepare large amounts of food that was quickly consumed by my hungry father and brothers. My least favorite foods were red beets and lima beans. Leftover food was saved. The leftovers were combined at the end of the week for a meal we called goulash. I have great memories of interesting dinner conversations.

Do you remember the last time you had dinner together as a family? I recently came across an interesting study on family dinners from the University of Florida. The researchers found that "having dinner together as a family at least four times a week has positive effects on child development. Family dinners have been linked to a lower risk of obesity, substance abuse, eating disorders and an increased chance of graduating from high school."�

It's often difficult for parents to schedule a time when family can gather together to enjoy a meal. Take control of your household technology. Today's families have many technological distractions - from video games to countless hours spent on Facebook.

Lake County Schools in Florida are currently holding their second annual "Challenge Zone."� Fifth graders are asked to take a "Challenge Zone - Screens Off, Skills On"� pledge to turn off screens at 7 p.m. (No television, videos, DVDs, Blu-rays, cell phones, tablets or video & computer games.) Parents can set up their own dinner time challenge zone.

Family dinners can provide a boost to your child's self-esteem. Children need an opportunity at home to communicate their frustration, accomplishments and memories. Dr. Mark Hyman, author of "How Eating at Home Can Save Your Life," wrote, "Children who have regular meals with their parents do better in every way, from better grades to healthier relationships to staying out of trouble."�

I recommend making a pledge to eat together as a family. You can begin by having one or two meals per week. Feel free to skip the red beets, lima beans and goulash. But don't skip the opportunity to have a real conversation with your children. Eating dinner together with your family is a great way to end the day - conversation, fun, and a home cooked meal.

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My family enjoys baking chocolate chip cookies. Success with baking cookies involves the right kind of ingredients and using appropriate baking procedures. Delicious tasting cookies is the result of following the recipe.

According to Zig Ziglar, author of Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World, "To raise positive kids we've got to use many essential ingredients - love, discipline, forgiveness and many other qualities all wrapped in an abundance of care and commitment for our children's eventual well-being."� Here's the recipe for helping your children to become proactive thinkers.

Be your child's friend

Many parents don't take time out of their busy schedules to get to know their children. Your child needs to know that you do more than apply discipline. Make a list of activities that you can do with your child. Your list might include playing some games, taking a walk, a trip to a local museum or a stop at the library to check out some books.

According to Victor Cline, author of How to Make Your Child a Winner,parents should treat their child like a friend. "By treating him this way, you are telling him that he's the kind of good, interesting person that you would choose for a friend," Cline said. Happy children have parents who take the time to share common interests and activities.

Encourage a stick-to-it attitude

Julius Segal, author of Growing Up Smart and Happy, urges parents to, "Help your child experience the joy of attainment. Reaching, even straining, for a worthwhile goal is welcomed by those whose efforts have enabled them at times to hit the mark."�

My children enjoy family goal setting. For example, each semester our children set a goal to be on the school honor roll. By setting a realistic goal, they are motivated to make daily effort to achieve it. Make sure you have your child write down the goal and review it weekly. Catch your child doing something good. Give her genuine compliments and encouragement. And don't forget to reward children with a plate of chocolate chip cookies for achieving their goals.

Don't reward complaining

The world is full of people who whine and complain about almost anything. Jacob Azerrad, author of Anyone can have a Happy Child observed, "The child who is taught to complain by parents who are concerned about his well-being, who are caring and thoughtful and all too willing to say yes instead of no, is likely to become the adult who scans the world negatively, who is a pessimist, and who is 'depressed' because of the limited satisfaction he finds in life."�

Be a proactive role model for your child. Encourage the development of positive values - honesty, courtesy, practicing kindness, smiling and having a healthy sense of humor. Teach your children to see that the life's cup is half full, not half empty.

If your children are suffering from the glass is half empty syndrome, develop a stronger relationship with your children, help your children experience the joy of succeeding with goals, and replace complaints with positive statements. Today's children receive too many negative messages. Build your child's positive self image with upbeat experiences and commendation.

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