Regardless of individual commitments, families should find opportunities for everyone to be together for home cooked meals at least several times per week. For families with school age children, the goal should be for the children to eat with one or both parents every day. This should be considered quality family time. When compared with children who eat alone or are allowed to graze through meals, studies have repeatedly shown that children who share nightly family meals together are better adjusted and do better in school.
At family mealtime, positive conversation should be stressed. There should be no moaning, complaining or rushing to be excused. Rules for good manners and mutual respect should be mandated. No television, books, headphones, texting or video game players are allowed. This family bonding should be extended to outings and vacations. The message should be loud and clear, “We care about you, about your day and what you have to say.”
A Master of Success understands that unsolicited advice is typically heard as criticism.
