Beyond satisfying physical needs, mealtime provides the opportunity for families to strengthen their relationships and focus on their spiritual heritage. Today s family mealtimes continue to be a great setting in which to convey a sense of belonging and to impart the truths of our faith. As the blessings of the day are recounted, children see evidence of God s loving, faithful care and the importance of honoring Him with a time of thanks. And as family activities and cultural concerns are discussed, parents can explore with their kids how biblical principles apply to the issues we face personally and as a society. Today s family mealtimes continue to be a great setting in which to convey a sense of belonging and to impart the truths of our faith.
Recent studies confirm the positive impact of families eating meals together.
This factor was a more definitive indicator than age, gender or family type when predicting a teen s behavior. In addition, these young people were more likely to do well in school and to have a supportive circle of friends. The more poorly adjusted teens, in contrast, ate with their parents an average of three or fewer evenings a week. A 1996 study done by Dr. Catherine Snow, a professor of education at Harvard s Graduate School of Education, revealed similar results. By following 65 families over an eight-year period, it was determined that dinnertime was of more value to child development than playtime, school and story time.