Family Dinners

Family dinners. It is so sad that it is not something that is common anymore. Less than 1/3 of families in the United States are having family dinners and if they are. Half of those families are eating in front of the TV and not engaging in meaningful conversation. I remember my family ate together every single night without fail. Dinner was every night at 6:30 pm and we needed to be there. Having family dinners were some of the best memories I have with my family. I think that it allowed us to draw closer to each other and learn about what is going on in everyone’s lives and see where any improvements can be made. I remember family dinners was where we were able to connect with each other and show our support as we laughed, talked about our day, and plan for future events. It was when I felt my family was closest. I believe that it is vital to making a happy home especially for the children. It has been proven to impact and improve every area of a child’s life and brings relationships closer together. 

I read an LDS living article from February, 2013 about the benefits of eating at home as a family, they highlighted four reasons why family dinner is so vital. One of the reasons that were most surprising to me was that children who did not have dinner with their families were twice as likely to get involved with illegal substances. What was even more shocking was that they were also more likely to reduce the likelihood of teen pregnancy and depression. Just that alone makes me want to be determined to have family meals.  The next reason why family dinners are so important is because it increases children’s success in schools and their self-esteem. My favorite reason as to why family dinner is so important is because it creates a bond that unites the family as one and reduces the contention in the home. I have seen this in my own family. I know that we are close because we have bonded over dinner because that is where we were able to have heart-to-heart conversations. One of my favorite lines from one of my favorite General Conference talks by Elder Oaks’ “Good, Better, Best” is “What your children really want for dinner is you.” I think that is inspired. So many children are often on their own for dinner and never get that attention from their siblings and parents they deserve. They need that attention for the family to thrive. The last reason is because it reduces the likelihood of children getting into unhealthy habits. It reduces the chances for obesity, and eating disorders as well as teaching them good habits for how they should be eating. 

So my question is why do families not see the importance of having family dinners together. This is something that will benefit families. I understand that many families are busy and put family dinners on the backburner, but the facts are proven that family dinners are of the most important part of creating a strong unit. I know that in my own future family, I will make it a priority to have family dinner. I want a successful family and I care very much about the success and happiness of my family. Especially my children. I want the best future for them and I believe having family dinners is the best way to help create and help them start off on a solid ground so they can have a bright and happy future. I am making a promise to my future family to make family dinners a priority so that we can be successful and happy. I know that family is the most important unit and relationship we will ever have on this earth and in the eternities so I want to make it strong by doing the simple things that will make it good forever.