Family Day began as a grassroots initiative and has grown to become a nationwide celebration. In anticipation of National Family Dinner Day on September 28, Newtown Parent Connection and Newtown Youth & Family Services will co-sponsor Family Dinner & Fun Night. The event will be held at the Reed Intermediate School on Friday, September 25, from 6 to 8 pm. Tickets are $10 for a family of four and $3 for each additional person and are available at NYFS and Dr Baum’s office, both located on Church Hill Road.

A fun, family evening is planned. Pasta and meatballs, salad, bread, ice cream sundaes and entertainment for all is on the menu. Kevin Koschel will return with great music and games and little ones will enjoy face painting.

Each year, this event has attracted capacity crowds so tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

For many, the over scheduling of parents and children often stands in the way of family dinners. It is not uncommon for families to argue at the dinner table, defeating the idea of positive communication.

The following are tips to jump start your efforts for a family meal:

*Make dinner a special time. Turn off the TV and home and cell phones.

Dinner can be conventional, a picnic or a simple pizza. Food is not the focus. Family is.

*Leave disagreements behind.

Concentrate on the positive; no criticisms or arguments.

*Decide, as a family, how to make family time a priority. Try for at least a couple of nights a week and attempt to build from there.

For additional information about Family Dinner Night, call Newtown Parent Connection at 270-1600 or Newtown Youth & Family Services at 270-4335.