Every Wednesday I will post a practical wisdom thought or suggestion on marriage, parenting, or life. With every couple, child, parent, and/or family I counsel, I always ask about how mealtimes are handled by everyone. Unfortunately, when a child, marriage, or family is struggling, I am often told that rarely are meals happening at the table. Instead, individuals are eating in the bedroom, living room, or just standing at the counter in the kitchen. Marriage or family meals at the table allow for positive conversation, excellent eye contact, and a strengthening of family ties.

I have found that a happy marriage is a major challenge when couples are not eating together. In addition, one research study found that children learned a majority of their life and faith values during mealtime discussions at the table. So if family members are not sitting together at the table for meals, there is often a disengaged family and a significant lost opportunity for discussing life and faith values with a child.

It makes no difference if only two family members are home or if you are only having sandwiches and chips, a major goal is to have meals at the table as often as possible. Always avoid discussing any problems so your meals together will be positive times. Turn off the TV, remove all technology gadgets, have light-hearted conversation, and perhaps share one or two positives from the day.

TODAY: Begin having marriage/family meals at the table and enjoy making an eye-to-eye heart connection with your spouse or other family members.

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