These days, family dinner can feel impossible. After all, with school, swim practice, dance class, and chorus concerts all happening in rapid succession, you’re left with all of about 20 minutes to sit down, say grace, and wolf down some dinner.  

But studies show that eating dinner together as a family just four days a week has a range of positive effects on childhood development and family bonds. Gathering around a table has the power to transform relationships—remember how Jesus ate with friends and those farthest from God? 

For those struggling to make family meal time a priority, try to get just one standard night on the schedule next week, and give it a theme. Meatball Monday, Taco Tuesday—the possibilities are endless. An elaborate meal isn’t the goal, time together is! 

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: