For the past few nights, Tim, our thirteen year old daughter, Caroline and I have had dinner together. We set the table and lit the candles. The menus have been simple. The clean-up was done by all. But what really has been the best, is that this time spent together has allowed us all to re-connect!
For the past few months, it's been a very hectic time around our house, with lots of company, vacations, school and work. We've had little time to talk, just the three of us. Sharing our day and experiences over food, and having some laughs, has made us ALL feel better!
In her article " The most important thing you can do with your kids? Eat dinner with them." Harvard Medical School Professor Anne Fishel cites 20 years of research which proves:
For school-age youngsters, regular mealtime is an even more powerful predictor of high achievement scores that time spent in school, doing homework, playing sports or doing art.
Children who eat regular family dinners also consume more fruits, vegetables, vitamins and micronutrients, as well as fewer fried foods and soft drinks.
Family dinners have been found to be a more powerful deterrent against high-risk behaviors than church attendance or good grades.
A higher frequency of family meals was strongly associated with positive moods in adolescents.
Kids who eat dinner with their parents experience less stress and have a better relationship with them.
So, don't wait until Thanksgiving to gather around the table with your family! Eat with them today!