Bonnie Blair is a five time Olympic gold medal winner and now a Mom. She says that dinner isn't a feeding opportunity, it is the MAIN EVENT!

Much research is showing us the impact that family meals can have on children academically, socially, psychologically and behaviorally. If I could do only ONE thing for my children, it would be to have a family meal at least five times a week. We know how difficult it can be to gather the entire family, but the good news is that these positive results happen when a child eats with at least one parent.

Family mealtime is a chance to discuss and debate, to talk about the highs and lows of the day, to share ideas and values. It is a time to laugh together and enjoy each others company.

A wonderful tool was developed by two Moms from St. Paul, Mareen Lahr and Julie Pfitzinger. It is titled "Keep Talking" and offers all kinds of fun questions to ponder at the dinner table.

• Would you rather spend a week in an igloo or in the rain forest? Why?
• Describe in detail your "dream job".
• How important is family time to you? To your parents? Name 3 of your favorite family activities. Name one that you would like to try.

This great little book can be ordered at: www.keeptalkingpublications.com

Posted by Barbara at 10/01/2004 02:15:46 PM | Link