Many American families live busy lives.Every week,the children have sports,music lessons,club meetings,and many other activities,including (包括) hours of homework.The parents are busy,too.They work,take care of their homes,cook meals,and drive their children to activities.Some families do not have time to eat meals together more than once a week.One American community (社區(qū)) decided that it was time to take a break.
After seven months of planning,the community of Ridgewood,New Jersey,took one night off.They called it “Family Night”,a night for families to spend time together.Sports teams stopped their practices,and teachers did not give homework.
On Family Night,families agreed to turn off their televisions.They also decided not to answer the telephone.Answering machines said,“Please call back tomorrow.” Many families ordered take-out pizza and other take-out food so that they wouldn’t spend time cooking.
Popular activities included board games and card games.These games gave families a chance to spend time together.Children and parents weren’t so busy,and children didn’t spend so much time playing video games and watching television.On Family Night,families relaxed and spent the evening together.The town hopes to have many more “Family Nights”.