Family dinner

The girls came home from college today to help celebrate the long weekend. Allison navigated the traffic and weather to pick up her sister in Boston and make it back to Franklin before my (late) train got me home. We all made it safely, sat for a good family dinner and discussion to catch up on what's been happening.

Why Family Matters
Research shows that the benefits of family dinners go far beyond nutrition. A recent study from the University of Minnesota reported that teens who had regular meals with their parents had better grades and were less likely to be depressed. From Harvard came word that chances are slimmer—by 15%—that children will be overweight if they eat with their families. Researchers at Emory University found that preteens whose parents tell family stories at dinner have higher self-esteem and better peer relations during adolescence. And a study out with sexually active friends. And 12- and 13-year-olds with limited family dinners are a staggering six times more likely to have used marijuana. The study also revealed that 84% of teens said they’d rather eat withtheir parents than alone.

This was in a recent issue of the Sunday Parade Magazine.

In recognition of her engagement, Allison was presented with a Willow Tree figurine: Joyful Anticipation.