The Joyful Family Meal Workshop

 

Mealtime doesn’t need to feel like something to get through.

A joyful mealtime can set the tone for a positive relationship with food and a confident and trusting relationship with your body over the long term.

I’m here to show you how.

 
 
‘What’s for dinner?’ is my least favorite question.
We’ve made tweaks, but mealtime still drives me crazy.
It often feels like I have to choose between eating my meal or managing everyone else’s bites.
It feels impossible to meet everyone’s needs!
My kids won’t stay at the table.
Five minutes after dinner ends, the kids ask for snacks.
Everything about my kitchen feels like a chore.
My kids eat so sloooooowly and I want to get on with my night.
I feel like I am doing and saying the wrong things, but I worry about my kids’ nutrition.
If they don’t try new foods now, will they ever?
 
 

BRITTANY ACCHIAVATI, MAINE

“This program is the help I so needed but didn't know how to articulate. Family food has always felt like a chore for me, one I've really come to dread on especially challenging days with 3 kids.

Deena has helped me bring more awareness to the root of my stress rather than being fixated on the traditional family dinner. Her approach is so warm and authentic, and the steps she lays out actually feel doable at a time when many of us are overloaded with workshops and advice. I was truly able to reimagine food in our home and put so much into practice relatively quickly.

I am having more fun and feeling more at ease as I continue to experiment and play with what suits all of us. Thank you, Deena!”

This workshop is your path to alleviating the strain you feel by creating:

1) A clear vision for what you really need when it comes to food for your family

2) A kitchen that engages everyone

3) A system for food prep that works

4) A mealtime that meets everyone’s needs

 

The Space

  • Identify the ideal kitchen setup for your family.

  • Utilize everyone’s unique interests in the kitchen.

  • Create a space that feels like a sanctuary for you.

The Prep

  • Get clear on the obstacles you experience in finding ease with food prep.

  • Clarify the best times of the week and days to prepare food.

  • Identify ways to make the process fun and meaningful.

The Meal

  • Get the success formula for setting a table that ignites creativity and connection.

  • Create a ritual around mealtime that sets a positive tone.

  • Have clear and respectful language you can use when the most common challenges arise.

  • Actually enjoy your meal!

 
 
 

JENN SHTYRIN, BRITISH COLUMBIA

“This workshop is short, to the point, and allows you to expand on what's really going on behind the scenes of family mealtime struggles. I never imagined that I could put such simple intention into family food and how doing so would enhance everyone’s experience!

I’m so grateful!”

MAYA LAMDAN, ISRAEL

“I’ve been enjoying my meals with the kids! This is something I struggled with— always up in the kitchen, preparing stuff and “feeding” them while grabbing some leftovers and standing next to them.

No more! I’m asking them to open my wine (they love it :) and I sit with them while we eat and chat. It feels so good!”

 

How we engage with food is a model for how we engage with life.

Given that we interact with food every day, we have the opportunity to learn so much about ourselves and our family members through this lens.

Let’s get curious and make shifts that support everyone in your family!

 What you get:

  • A 1-hour video workshop is delivered right to your email. Go at your own pace!

  • A corresponding short and practical workbook (that won’t end up in the recycle bin!) to guide you through this process.

  • Additional resource guides with my favorite strategies and kitchen items to further support The Space, The Prep, and The Meal.

  • Invites to seasonal Q&A calls to address all your Joyful Family Meal questions in a community of like-minded mothers on this same path.

 
 
 
 

SIMRAN BHATIA, ILLINOIS

“Deena's approach to 'fixing' mealtime was so different than anything I’d tried before. I felt so relieved to have someone guiding me that clearly offered a holistic approach, instead of just giving me a meal plan to follow.

Our entire approach to food, mealtimes, etc. has changed and the stress level in our house has gone down significantly. The ripple effect throughout our kids' behavior has been amazing as well.

I also just loved Deena's energy. When I reached out to her personally she was responsive, thoughtful, and helpful. She teaches with such integrity - you're bound to get results!”

ANNA PANTANO-COTMAN, MISSISSIPPI

“This workshop is fantastic! Deena’s approach to fostering a healthy relationship with food is refreshing and was a much-needed shift in our household. I am finally feeling some excitement about exploring family mealtime and have already seen positive results in my kids’ attitude during dinner simply by making a few simple changes.

Deena’s non-judgmental, well-rounded, and supportive take on a major point of stress for me as a parent was deeply appreciated!”