Family Day Stopped Me in my Tracks
September 15, 2008
Several years ago, browsing through a library that specializes in food, I came upon the information from CASA, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, describing the importance of family meals in keeping kids away from destructive behaviors. It made intuitive sense, but it was news to me.
I am one of those people who gets very crabby if they don't eat regular meals. And I grew up in a household where meals were served BY THE CLOCK because of my father's work schedule. I had always eaten family dinner, but I had never given it a thought.
But now, in the magazine room of the Schlesinger library, I had many, many thoughts. They included: You mean, there was a reason why we have always done this? You mean, I might have actually been doing some good?
In the years since, I have researched the impact of family meals on many aspects of personal development, family bonding, and societal cohesion. I have traveled around the United States as well as internationally speaking about this subject. I am continually amazed that this small daily ritual can have such wide ranging effects.
At my house dinner is still a highlight of the day. But now I know a little bit about why.
Mealtimes Matter Video
from Miriam Weinstein
About Miriam
Miriam Weinstein is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. As a journalist, she has won several awards from the New England Press Association. Her work has appeared in Boston Magazine, the Boston Globe magazine, Hope, and ParentSource. A former staff member for North Shore Weeklies and freelancer for Essex County Newspapers, she writes restaurant reviews and food columns as well as features on a wide variety of subjects. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with her husband and has two grown children.
The Surprising Power of Family Meals
In her book, The Surprising Power of Family Meals, Miriam Weinstein shows how this basic human institution helps nourish and strengthen our families today. You can buy this book from our friends at Smucker's® Online Store.
