In an increasingly busy world, it may be difficult for some families to gather around the table and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with one another. Making a concentrated effort to do so, however, can have many benefits for everyone involved. Whether you gather for brunch after church or make it a priority to have dinner together at least once a week, you’ll appreciate the difference it might make in your lives.

Why Eating Meals as a Family Is Beneficial

1. Catch Up With Everyone

Communication is vital to any relationship. For families that don’t get to spend much time together, sharing at least a few meals together can make an enormous difference in understanding what’s happening in everyone’s respective lives. It gives parents or guardians an opportunity to find out how kids are doing in school, church, and extracurricular activities. It also allows for more friendly discussions about weekend plans and current events. In short, it promotes togetherness.

2. Healthy Environment for Kids

As kids grow up, they learn to value the quality time spent with their families. This may decrease their risks of getting involved in unsavory habits or with people who are bad influences and increase their interest in more community-oriented activities within the church or in a youth group. It can even improve their grades, particularly if doing homework right before or after dinner becomes a part of the routine.

3. Establish Healthy Family Routine

Just as eating alone or grabbing fast food can quickly become a habit, so too can dining with the family. Make it a point to set the tone for a relaxing meal that focuses solely on family and food. Put phones and tablets away, and make sure that the television isn’t so loud that it distracts the conversation. You might even make the entire process a family event—kids can help with preparation or setting the table.

Based in Cincinnati, OH, Knox Presbyterian Church provides families with a warm and welcoming environment to worship. As an institution in the Hyde Park neighborhood since 1895, the church offers a vibrant congregation, wonderful music, and excellent standing within the community. Whether you’re enrolling your children in Sunday school, a youth group, or Bible study, or are seeking a new place to worship with the family, you may find just what you’re looking for here. Visit the website to learn more about this lively Presbyterian church, or call (513) 321-2573.