When It's Family...Dinner Is Best Together

Remember the public service announcement- 'It is five o'clock, do you know where your child is?' Maybe we should start another one- 'It is five o'clock, are you eating with your family?'

I'm not sure exactly when it started, but in my opinion, the demise of family dinner time is a shame. Since when did we prioritize soccer games, gymnastic meets or business clients above our own children?  How can parents justify the elimination of family dinners will not hinder their child's social and emotional development?

The skills of conversation, manners, dining etiquette and social cues are not innate. How can one expect a child to become a respectful and contributing adult to society, if they were never provided a proper role-model.  Let's not forget self-esteem. When a family eats together, they talk together. Parents are inadvertently letting their child know what he/she has to stay is important and of value.

Will there be challenges and unexpected obstacles at times? Yes. Is family dinner possible for every night for every family. No. What should we remember? Every day, we need to spend time with our family; they are the greatest gift God has given us.