Today’s world is an incredibly fast-moving one.  Even if you do live in a smaller town that misses most of the rush of cities like New York or Chicago, life in small-town America is still much faster than it was 50 years ago.  Unfortunately, the pace is probably going to speed up before it slows down, and with such a busy life, it becomes increasingly difficult to find together time for your family.

Although it may be more convenient to leave the fridge open for whomever wants food at whatever time of the day, in the long run it will prove more effective for the quality of your children’s life and the strength of your family unit if you take the time and effort each night to sit down and eat together as a family.

Numerous studies have continually shown that eating together at least once a week as a family can have significant benefits on everything from children’s academic performance to their communication skills.  When you eat together as a family, it’s much more likely that your kids will be eating at least one nutritious and balanced meal in the day.  Sitting down together just a few nights a week will give you and your spouse time to actually get to know your kids—their likes, their dislikes, and all about their experiences at school and with their friends.  Especially if you start this practice early in their lives, your children will be used to opening up to you and when they’re faced with drugs and alcohol or other undesirable lifestyle choices, you will more effectively be able to help your child deal with those tough choices.