Focus on the Family

"Supper is only the occasion, the excuse. The subject is actually family -- establishing, enjoying, and maintaining ties. The goal is creating and reinforcing a secure place for your loved ones in a society that can seem awfully uninterested in human needs."
 -Miriam Weinstein. The Surprising Power of Family Meals: How Eating Together Makes Us Smarter, Stronger, Healthier and Happier. 2005. pg. 242.

   It is amazing how something as simple as food can be the great equalizer, bringing a family together. We have our challenges with homeschooling, finances, and overall attitudes but sitting down as a family for a meal wipes the slate clean.

   First we pray. Mike and I are softened by the sound of our children's voices praying for others. They look like little angels with their eyes closed tight and hands clasped. Then we talk about the meal. This encourages the kids to try new things and since there is no hurry, they take the time to experiment. Now we can work on manners. How many of our children these days know to put a napkin in their lap or how to correctly use a fork? 

   We eat slower, laugh in between bites and tell stories about our day. This emphasizes the importance of family and teaches children to be thankful for every bite. Nobody gets up until all are done so there is no rush. If everyone finishes their food, there is rumor of dessert. Tyson eats every last pea in anticipation of a sweet surprise. He prides himself on this great accomplishment.

   The hustle in our society is inevitable and sometimes in the excitement, the "little things" get put aside. Mike and I did this for years. We fed our kids mac and cheese and hotdogs and then BBQed steaks for us. The kids would sit at the table, where they wouldn't be able to spill, and we sat in recliners. We never realized what opportunities we were missing. We gave up the only thing that was important.