I grew up as the youngest of seven children. In the 1960's and 1970's, my parents always made family dinners a priority. When I became a father in 1993, it was important to me to have a family dinner at home. As a remarried man with two step daughters living at home, family dinners are still essential and one of the highlights of my day. However, it appears that not everyone feels the way I do. Research shows that family dinners have declined by 33 percent over the past 20 years.
I believe that dinner together as a family is a time to relax, recharge, laugh, tell stories and catch up on the day’s happenings. It can be a real bonding time for a family. Its been said that family dinners foster a sense of belonging and security, and recent studies show that children who eat five or more meals a week with their families are happier, less stressed, and do better at school.
In fact, 25 years of research shows that family dinners are good for the bodies, brain, spirit and health of family members. Children who eat family dinners are healthier, have more self-esteem, and are less likely to be anxious or depressed. They also have a lower risk of eating disorders, smoking, substance abuse and obesity.
A poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Harvard School of Public Health found that busy family schedules are cutting into family dinners together -- 46 percent of those surveyed said eating together is difficult to do on a regular basis. However, 24 percent of teens say they want more frequent family dinners. The survey found that the typical American family dinner lasts between 15 to 30 minutes and 89 percent of families surveyed said that its very important for families to eat dinner together regularly. Sadly, 40 percent of American families eat dinner together only three or fewer times a week, with 10 percent never eating dinner together at all.
Today, 59 percent of American adults report that their family has fewer family dinners than when they were growing up. Are you having family dinners? If not, ring that dinner bell and gather them up! It's time to bring the family and dinner back together! And remember... no electronics at the table!
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
