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What has happened to the family meal. In this age of careers, TV, video games and various other wonderful advances, we have forgotten the importance of sitting together at least once a day to be a family. It is a sign of the times, but not necessarily one of the good signs.

The morning is a rush. Everyone has to be everywhere. Mom and Dad both work, the kids go to different schools, everyone has something they need to do at different times. This is acceptable, as long as the whole family has some sort of breakfast. Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Lunch is grabbed on the go, or between classes, or eaten in 3 minutes to get back to play. There is very little in the way of kids sauntering home for lunch, greeted by mom, sitting down to a large glass of milk as the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is layed out. Oh wait, peanut butter is not allowed anymore too many allergies. Although I do not know what my mother would have done if peanut butter was not allowed during my childhood.

Dinner is another meal, but also an opportunity. Communication has dwindled significantly in the last 35 years. Technology and lifestyle has created a generation of "better things to do." This is a situation that needs to be addressed quickly. If you are among the group that insists on a meal eaten as a family, you see the results. The playful banter and even the arguments are part of being a family. Remove this important social interaction and the results are evident.

Sit at a table, inside or out. Sit across from each other. Wait for everyone to be at the table. Don't leave the cook out just because they are preparing the meal. Involve the family in the meal. The kids can set the table, help spice the food or bring the meal to the table.

Talk to your kids at dinnertime. If you can talk to them when it isn't dinner time. If you can stare at your loved one across a table for 30 minutes a day, your loved one will notice. It is about being together. The food is just a means to an end. Cherish the time, use the time, learn about each other. Make the family dinner a family tradition and your family will be better for it.

Learn more about this author, Paul Rees-Jones.
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