The Family Dinner

As an educator, I've noticed that our world is broken.  Something very important is missing from our society-the family dinner. As a child, I remember the family gathering around the table to eat together. We talked about our day, laughed together, and bonded. At that table, I learned manners. We learned to be polite and take turns in conversations. We learned to share the last piece of pie and pray over our meals. As my parents listened to an account of my day, I felt supported and heard. I felt the security of a stable family, even if chaos surrounded us. As life has become busy and our children's activities have us running in ten different directions, the family dinner has been replaced with a quick meal in the car. There's nothing wrong with a quick bite to eat; however, if the family never sits down together, the security of the family bond falters. Educationally, children's language skills decrease as family conversation decreases. Anxiety and behaviors increase as children feel unheard. I'm not saying that a family dinner will solve everything, but I am saying that as my children move out on their own, I treasure the moments we can all gather around a table and talk. Your children are grown in the blink of an eye. Enjoy those family dinners while you've got them.

Have a great week high-heeled warriors!

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