Family Dinner Time

Today, families are pulled in lots of different directions, which can make it hard to meet at dinnertime. Yet for those who make it a priority, family meals can be a chance to connect, relax together, and bond. There's something about a shared meal that anchors a family, even on nights when kids are irritable. Research shows that children and teens who eat with their families are less likely to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, or consider suicide. They tend to do better in school, delay having sex, and have better relationships with their parents.

"In a challenging world, family belonging provides a safe haven for parents and children alike. Family dinners not only satisfy our physical and emotional needs, but also offer a time and place to consciously teach our children the value of caring for others." - Gayle Peterson, Prenatal and Child Development Specialist