[Keep Walking] The Perseverance of ParentingSample

Time For Family 

A study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics shows that children who eat meals with their families have better overall health. They are happier and healthier. According to the study, family meals have a long-term influence on children’s physical and mental well-being. When we have our priorities right, it impacts every aspect of our lives. Our priorities should be God, family, and friends, in that order. Make sure you make time for God to calibrate yourself every day. Make time for your family, spouse, and children. And then, make time for friends.

Another study shows that a large percentage of children and grown-ups wish they could spend more time with their families and share more family dinners. Yes, this even includes teenagers. They need family time. They need quantity and quality time with their parents. 

Do you know why family dinners matter? It is not so much about the food or where we are having dinner. It could be at home, at a restaurant, on a picnic, or having take-out in the car. Family dinners are about what happens during this time together. It's about the conversations we can have with our kids and the things they can share with us about their lives, struggles, fears, and joy. Time together strengthens our relationship with them—talking, eating, having fun, laughing, sharing experiences, talking about God, and sitting together. Make time for family. Not only quality time but also quantity time is necessary as well. 

When we are too busy and when many things fight to get our attention, something is going to give. We should not overcommit. Weigh the cost and the benefit of everything that takes away from family time. Be very careful and intentional in spending time together. Decrease distractions and increase conversation. This way, our children can get to know us better; we can get to know them better; and together, we get to know God better as a family by talking and repeating God’s words and principles.

Think about all those times together laughing, eating, praying, talking about the Lord and His principles. Think about all the future benefits: your children will be better, healthier, and happier adults.