2.10.2008

The Answer

Well, I found the answer to my question posed in the previous entry, Dinner time or Torture? I went to our church leadership broadcast yesterday, and Elder Oaks repeated something he had taught in his most recent General Conference address, Good, Better, Best. I had to include it since I imagine many young Mom's face very similar battles when it comes to dinner.

The number of those who report that their “whole family usually eats dinner together” has declined 33 percent. This is most concerning because the time a family spends together “eating meals at home [is] the strongest predictor of children’s academic achievement and psychological adjustment.”3 Family mealtimes have also been shown to be a strong bulwark against children’s smoking, drinking, or using drugs.4 There is inspired wisdom in this advice to parents: what your children really want for dinner is you.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=5ce926cb31cf5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

After having read this I decided the benefits of having dinner far out-weigh the negatives. So I guess I will keep making it. Some how gagging, crying, spills, wasted food, and dishes pale in comparison the possibility of smoking, drugs, and drinking. If you are trying to decide which battles to fight, this might be one you want to win!

6 comments:

Jessica said...

Amen to that comment - I am a firm believer in families eating together (and at a table - I had a friend whose family sat on their couches and watched TV while they ate dinner)

Tisha said...

I came across this article last week in preparation for a YW lesson, check it out
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=4ef1605ff590c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

Tisha said...

Sorry, I guess in the comment section you can't hyperlink... it is found in the September 1998 Ensign "Meal Time Family Time"

Babbel Family said...

I remember when he said that. It is amazing how many families don't have dinner together. It is so important though!

kelie said...

I wonder if frozen chicken nuggets or corn dogs count. If so, then I'm doing okay! :)

Unknown said...

So I guess my torture is worth it too... I needed that reminder thanks!