Thanks all for your replies, they are nice. I was actually researching how eating meals effects a family, and although it seems simple, and maybe not life altering, it's the closeness and attention the children receive during this period that ultimately effects them. If you count all the meals, how long they were, over years and years, that is along time of individual and loving attention for the family as a whole. I personally believe this could help child and parent relationships, child to child, and husband and wife. Seriously....an estimated 100,000 hours spent together over 18 years. Think about it. I just wanted to say this.....just to say it I suppose..lol. Thanks all for your responses.

Yes, are still having meals together, and the new selections have began.