The kids had just left the house after celebrating our 24th birthday, and all was quiet. As I stood and gazed at our worn-out table where we had just shared a meal together and played a game, memories flooded my mind and tears welled up in my eyes. Our table has been with us for a long time. It is the heart of our home and a part of the family! It was here that we nourished our children, listened to their dreams and fears, shared funny jokes, inspired their ideas, taught them to read and write, and shared words of wisdom from God’s Word.
Once upon a time families gathered round the table to eat three square meals a day. Now, only about 50% of families carry on this tradition once a day. A sad reality. Homeschool families have the benefit of adjusting their day to accommodate this tradition whether it be a big breakfast, lunch, or supper. When I was a kid, our family had a big lunch because my dad worked the second shift and wasn’t home for supper. Whatever it looks like for your family, I would strongly encourage you to seize those moments. Be intentional about your family table and even use it as a teaching tool! Here are just a few benefits from gathering ‘round the table:
- It teaches teamwork! In our home, everyone had a part in making mealtimes happen, whether setting the table, preparing the food, putting leftovers away, or cleaning up. Our kids often went shopping with me and we created a routine that worked for us. Before shopping, we would clean out the refrigerator and take inventory of the cupboards. This made meal planning easier because I knew what I had and there would be space for the groceries when we came home. Shopping isn’t always convenient with kids, but they came along and learned and helped. When we brought the groceries into the house, we would pause and thank God for our food, for providing for us, and for the hardworking dad that made sure we were taken care of. Then we put it away together. It was a special time!
- Family meals provide opportunities for social development with the chance to talk and express love, concern, and understanding for each other. Research links family meals with healthy mental development and . This is a great opportunity to learn and practice good table manners, which is all about learning to control oneself. You will be equipping them with tools that will instill social confidence in them. Please, don’t allow devices at the table!
- It is healthier and more economical to eat around your own table. You will be more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables and quality foods at home than eating out. You don’t need to make gourmet meals. Some of our family’s favorite meals are very simple and economical.
- Memory-making opportunities are endless. Read a book, have family devotions, solve riddles, make a craft, review the family schedule, teach a vocab word, learn a new manner, you get the idea!
If my table could talk, it would tell stories of our joyful times, our times of sorrow, and of the everyday life of a homeschool family. It is here that our adult children still feel safe from the outside world when they come home. If your table could talk, what stories would it tell? ~ Amber
