Each Friday, we have the whole family dinner. It's a new tradition we adopted once we moved to Israel. The one which I enjoy deeply. No gadgets, of course.
We share each person's news and discuss urgent family matters. But we always end up discussing current topics, news, politics, and even philosophical matters.
Often, my grown-up sons disagree with me/us, and the discussion becomes pretty heated. But I still enjoy it. Value it. The most important part is to separate disagreement on certain topics from the relationship itself.
I think such discussions foster healthy relationships and create a deeper connection. It teaches our kids–already young adults–that you can have different views and still have great relationships.
But it does become difficult at times. The problem comes from the fact that we are bombarded with disinformation, fakes, and propaganda. And it became so good and so prevailing that it's almost impossible to know what is true.
Well, it just means we should have more of these discussions. We should fight this "war" with arguments, facts, and critical thinking. And yet another hidden benefit is that everyone in this discussion needs to use facts, not views or opinions.
Yes, it's hard. It's emotional. And sometimes, I end up in tears from the inability to convenience my own children.
But that is never the end.
In the end, we hug, we kiss, and I tell them I love them with all my heart.
