I was in Sociology class when the teacher mentioned how crucial it was for a families unity and development is based on eating meals together at the table. She said that statistically families who eat meals together suffer less from divorce, drug use, and emotional and mental illnesses.

It made me think of when I was a child and our meals were eaten alone in our bedroom with the television keeping us company. My little sister and I ate all our meals together, but the television kept us from conversation.

The teacher also mentioned that the majority of juvenile offenders never ate meals at the table with their families. It made me think of myself, and my history as a juvenile.

My children and I have always eaten in front of the T.V saying nothing. I have a plastic picnic table in my living room for my children to eat on. We always had problems of the babies not eating properly and remaining grumpy during the day, probably from being hungry. I never thought about it till that day in Sociology class.

Well I finally cleared the dining room table off, got rid of the radio, text books, and coats...and pulled the chairs down from the upstairs closet. For the past three days my children and I have been eating lunch and dinner together at the table. Ever since then my kids have been eating more, healthier, and have been less grumpy during the day. I also turn off the T.V and encourage the "What's this" game. The consequence of this little change is enormous already. I'm so glad I was able to have my eyes pried open in class. I owe Ms. Baily a great thanks.

If you don't eat meals with your family I recommend giving it a try.