It's amazing how profoundly and positively we can affect others when we invest time into their lives. A recent study was done outlining the many benefits that sit down dinners with the family have on children and teens. Children who routinely have meals with their families tend to have higher academic success, lower rates of substance abuse and report feeling more close to their families.

Whether you have kids or not, are an empty-nester, reside with roommates or by yourself I think the positive effects of bringing it in around the table with others at the end of a long day cannot be overlooked. This is too simple to not take advantage of.

Save Money, Save the Waist Line

Cooking dinner at home, opposed to taking everyone out to a restaurant, will save you money and will also cause you to be more conscience of what you are serving and fueling your body with. Eating out, while a treat, can add up when it's done regularly, and it usually will add to your waistline as well.  Eating at home more than you eat out will keep money in your pocket and the money you saved can be used for greater goals or a fun family vacation!

Send a Clear Message

With the TV off and cellphones on silent, you're more likely to engage in the moment free of distractions. Just like answering an 'important' call mid-conversation can send a real message, so can direct eye-contact, affirming head nods and encouraging feedback. Reduce the distractions when you gather around the table, so people know that you are fully engaged and committed to the moment you have with them. This kind of commitment really affirms that you find value and importance in that relationship.  

Brazen Fun

I remember one family meal when my parents decided to have an outdoor picnic in our backyard. Turns out the great outdoors was a prime location for a legendary family food fight that was premeditated by my parents. I can still remember my complete shock over how spontaneous and crazy my parents were when they started dumping bowls of mashed potatoes and canned peaches over our heads. Not all dinners fun have to be this messy, but embrace the cutting up and laughter, cook individual pizza's as a family or play a great game. These will be the memories that your kids miss when their off to college and want to recreate when they have their own families. 

Strengthen Relationships

Get to know the people you gather around the table with. Ask questions, listen and express your feelings. It means a lot to know that someone is interested in your day and what you are doing, and returning the favor overtime builds a mutual support system. This kind of support builds confidence and feels secure. We understand, too, that not all family discussions are for the faint of heart. When the discussion becomes heavy or emotional it is all the more important to communicate respectfully to work through difficulties and disagreements. Don't dismiss or avoid these conversations, but allow others to speak openly and completely before sharing your side. Revel in these conversations as they produce growth, strengthen relationships and allow everyone to have their own ideas and share them. Family dinners also seem to improve general relationships and the sense of wellbeing within families. The study shows that 70% of teens who eat dinner with their parents 5-7 times a week report that their parents are proud of them compared with 48% of teens who dine with their families 2 or fewer times a week. Family meals can create the kind of safe environment where self-disclosure actually feels comfortable, laughter really is the best medicine and even silence can be golden.

Yes, family dinners can take some extra organization and planning ahead, but they don't have to be complicated or lavish. Getting together around the table will benefit your life. We would love to hear from you on the topic of family dinners. What do you most love about family dinners or what are some of your best memories?

1. Put in the hours: Surely we aren't the only family that spreads ourselves beyond thin. We commit ourselves in so many different directions during the day and trying to weasel in a measly 6 hours of sleep at night. It's easy to get so caught up in the crazy that suddenly you spend very little time in your home, non-the-less with those who live there. Let your house be more than a place you rest your eyes at night and spend some valuable time there. Give yourself permission to say no to some of the noise in the world and have a much deserved staycation at home packed full of family meals cooked together in the home you love.
2. Use it: So you're committed to hanging around the house a little more? Well, use this extra time to interact with the things in your house, and most importantly the people you share it with. Dirty your table with a craft, sprawl out under a quilt fort with the kiddos, bake you favorite recipe and dare we suggest clean it all up? Break the routine of wake-work-eat-sleep-repeat and revisit something you love and embrace the way you've always envisioned your great space to be used.
3. Speak Kindly: Some of the most significant words I've ever heard have been phrases of encouragement before leaving the house for work, passionate debates about the future and whispered prayers before bed. Each day when you wake up, choose to speak words of encouragement, grace and kindness to others in your home. Create a positive and warm environment by being aware of your tone and attitude. Speak kindly to those beyond the walls of your home, so when you come home you aren't burdened by shouldn't-haves and should-of's. Realistically, conflict is going to happen and less-than-constructive things will be said, but don't let your home be defined by these mishaps. Be quick to speak words of grace, honesty and forgiveness. 
4. Tune In: It feels good to have a little music as the back drop to your time at home. A good song can shape a lot about how we feel or see something. I don't particularly like folding laundry, but a great soundtrack can make it a little more bearable. I do, however, enjoy dancing with my husband, and sometimes the only reason I need to have to dance with him is that a song is on and our living room floor is clean enough that we might not trip. 
5. Entertain. No Excuses: Spend time with others in your home without apologizing for a mess or talking about things you want to change. Just enjoy your home as it is right now. Don't worry about the dust they might see or the things that didn't get done. Learn to let the little things go, so you can really feel at home and at ease.

These gorgeous pictures of one of our favorite homeowners enjoying their Beacon home were taken by the extremely talented Angela Roadman Photography.