Family Meals Matters

What is dinner time like in your home? Does everyone heat up his own meal in the microwave at different times and retreat to his own corner of the house or does everyone sit and eat, but one kid is wearing a headset while another is texting his friends?

Eating dinner together, for many families, has become a lost art. In fact, over 30 years, there has been a decrease in the number of families who have dinner together regularly.

So why is it important? "family dinners are the single, most important predictor of children`s academic achievement and psychological well being." Also, family mealtimes allow parents to become more involved with their children i.e. imparting values, monitoring food and nutrition, getting updated on activities and friends, and basically becoming good role models to them. Thus, by eating together with their parents, children were found more likely perform better in school, more grounded on good values, and were less likely to develop eating disorders or vices later on in life.

So what counts as a family meal? Anytime you and your family sit around, share life, and eat together- whether it`s take-out food or a home-cooked meal. Strive for nutritious food and a time when everyone can be there so this may mean eating dinner a little later or setting aside time on weekends to make it more convenient.

Eating together as a family is an opportunity to open the doors of communication. The benefits of which will last long after meal ends, especially if you make family mealtimes a regular activity.

Five Ways to Simplify Your Life

1. Consider a Career Switch

Our occupation choice can create a lot of undue stress and anxiety. Each career has its share of headaches. This could be in the form of an upcoming deadline or presentation. Stressful situations are generally short-lived, and within a couple of weeks, our normal routine resumes. On the other hand, if your present job consumes too much of your time and energy, which negatively affects your relationship with family, maybe it's time to re-think your career choice.

2. Get Out of Debt

Eliminating needless credit card debt,debt...etc. is a surefire way to simplify your life. Monthly payments on excessive balances can take a huge chunk from your paycheck, which leaves little disposable income. Constantly worrying about credit card statements,debt and past due bills is no way to live. Create a realistic spending plan, stick to a budget, and make a few sacrifices. Sacrifices may include dining out less, bargain shopping, or calling off pricey vacation plans. Fewer debts equal less worries.

3. Ditch an Extra-curricular Activity

Hobbies and participation in extra-curricular activities are pleasurable and offer a change of pace. Yet, too many activities can become burdensome. If your evenings and weekends are jam packed with soccer, piano lessons, ballet, and so forth, you might consider lightening your load. Don't give up all your favorite activities. Pick the hobby or sport you enjoy the most, and stick with this one. Likewise, if you son or daughter's participation in extra-curricular activities become exhausting, limit their involvement in a few sports.

4. Learn How to Say "No"

Easygoing people can easily become loaded down with another person's dilemma. Lending a helping hand is respectable, and deserves commendation. However, if you have a routine of tackling everyone's crisis, or constantly bending over backwards for people, you will not have enough energy or time for your own problems. Do you have experience planning events, which prompts others to ask you for assistance with planning their party, baby shower, etc? Perhaps you work from home, and friends want to hire you as the babysitter. Learn how to say "no" without feeling guilty and your life will be less complicated.

5. Slow Down and Relax

Caring for a family and trying to earn a living creates a hectic, fast-paced life. Take at least 20 - 30 minutes each day and enjoy complete silence. On the drive home in the evenings, turn off the radio. Sit on your back patio and enjoy a cup of coffee. Making time to let your body and mind unwind is essential to your physical and mental well-being.