Simple pleasure improves family life

No, I'm not talking about wine (although I'm open to thinking about that). The one simple thing every family can do, that has been proven to be beneficial for your kids is to have dinner together. That's it, just have dinner together, the whole family. It doesn't matter whether it's gourmet, left-overs or pizza, just share the dinner table.

Harvard Professor Dan Kindlon has quantifiable proof of the benefits for families that eat most meals together (including you Dad). Those families have children who are at significantly lower risk for; promiscuity, depression, drug and alcohol abuse and for under-achieving.

"I told you so! You can even heal your kids and have fun doing it"

This is how families bond, share values, connect and handle the negative influences of TV and all the other pop culture influences. It's through this shared experience that parents can better the influences of the bad kids your children may hang out with. Kids need guidance and structure and most parents are too busy to take the time other than at the mealtime. Besides, eating is good right?

Perhaps one other benefit not mentioned but which I believe possible, is that it can counter childhood obesity. It makes sense to me that when a family eats together they tend to eat healthier. Kids who prepare their own meals, just naturally want to take a short cut and choose the wrong foods.

This is also the most effective way to find out what is happening in their lives. Ask questions and try not to judge. Encourage them to open up about problems and challenges and brag about achievements.

Now what's for supper?

Eduardo