It’s a widely encouraged to sit down as a family for a certain number of dinners per week because those that do often cultivate more positive and communicative environments. But is there truth to this concept? Or is it merely a product of tradition and expectation? If you take the time to truly think about it, sitting down as a family for meals does improve communication and nurture relationships, but perhaps not in the ways that you would expect. Most times, you won’t get up from the table noticing any kind of improved attitude from your family members, but the long-term effects are worth it. Read on to learn about the importance of family dinner time and why it should not be a lost art even in a world of never-ending to-do lists and busy schedules.
There is a historical importance to meal time.
Historically, meal time has been and should be treated like a ritual. It is an opportunity for nourishment in every way that a person can be nourished. It is an opportunity for conversation and laughs and a time to enjoy home cooked food as a family. In doing so, family meals take on a certain sacredness on which family values can be established.
Having a set family dinner cultivates lifelong respect and communication.
At different phases in life, children go through different stages of communication. Most significantly, when your child hits his or her teen years the level of communication, and at times, respect might plummet to an all-time low. But fear not. This stage is not forever. By continuing to encourage family meals, you will establish habits and routines that will last a lifetime. So don’t lose hope on the importance of family meals even when it seems as though there is barely any communication at the dinner table. These stages won’t last forever, but the tradition of sitting down for family meals will.
Family dinners slow down the chaos of life.
Don’t go ninety miles an hour through every day. Take moments to slow it down because this is where you will find the true sweetness in life. Use family dinner times as a technology-free and responsibility-less time to truly enjoy the company of those sitting around the table with you. We all need some time to just talk with those we are closest to. If anything, you’ll feel more relaxed and refreshed when everyone gets up.
