When a girlfriend here in Williston had a little book exchange thingy I picked up this one book called, "Five-Star Families" by Carol Kuykendall. It was an enjoyable read. There was one point where I felt a little condo bondo. She was explaining some cool things she did as a mom over the many years she had kids at home and many of them I had NEVER. Where my kids going to be okay? Is there any good thing I did do? Those lies are a nuisance.
The prod I did get, that I want to share with you is to be faithful about the family meal table. We all know all of this. Shoot, I've done Nancy Campbell's entire study on the subject. I believe in it, and as a whole think I'm exemplary in this one area but still.... As my numbers get fewer around here, as my husband misses more suppers than he makes, as my own selfishness wins over my discipline I admit to some slacking. We were buffeting more than setting the table. As I read the book she talked quite a bit about how important the meal table is. I resolve to shape up and I'll share some of her reasonings so hopefully if you want a little inspiration you can have it too!!
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Eating together regularly is a habit formed early in children's lives, with great benefits. Children who eat with their parents are said to have better social and verbal skills and are more emotionally stable. They do better in school and are less likely to be invoved in drug use or sexual activity. The reason goes back to that sense of belonging and connection that creates the desire to do what is right. The time together communicates that parents care and want to know what their kids are doing in life.
What a privilege it really is to serve our families!! xxoo Pam