I think one of the best gifts I’m able to give my family is a great mealtime. Frankly, before Cooking Among Friends, things were rather haphazard. Sometimes my frantically-fixing-dinner mood got in the way of a relaxed, enjoyable bonding experience—you know, that June Cleaver kind of mealtime. Thankfully, those days are largely behind me, thanks to a freezer full of fabulous entrées. By and large, the dining room table is the place where we do most of our connecting and bonding with one another as a family.

Research agrees that the benefits of a regular family mealtime are significant for kids. Eating together at home on a frequent basis has a profound effect on young people’s health and behavioral choices. The kid-benefits read like a parent’s hope list: higher grades, better eating habits, less substance abuse, fewer symptoms of depression, and less risky behavior. The benefits surface for all students, including those who indicate they have strained relationships with their parents.

Family mealtimes offer a great return on investment. If you’re struggling to get a handle on the meal part of mealtime, consider doing your cooking among friends. With great food already prepared, you’ll be free to focus on building into the ones you love.

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