catholicsphere

Gathering the family around a dinner table and eating meals together can definitely benefit your family. Studies have shown that eating dinner together most nights can be a significant factor in your children’s development.

But, is it possible?

I used to face hour-long-plus commutes one-way to and from my workplace. While we still tried to eat dinner together almost every night (with very seldom exception), two things made gathering around the table for dinner easier: 1. A job change to be only 20 minutes from home; and 2. telecommuting.

Perhaps the first option isn’t available for you, but maybe the second option is. While I still go into work most every day, the ability to do some work (and I can’t stress the “some” enough) has helped to be able to get home “on-time” even when project deadlines loom, or the workload is a bit heavier.

After the kids are in bed, and I’ve spent at least a small amount of time talking about the day with my wife, I can fire up the computer, and get some extra work in.

Remember, I said some work. It is necessary to get some rest and relaxation; don’t become a workaholic, because that will work against the family time that is being gained by telecommuting.

Of course, my children are ages 6 and 4 and aren’t involved in any extra-curricular activities yet. But, we’re setting a standard, and we’ll work to preserve that tradition on through the time the go away to college and/or move to a place of their own. We are also fortunate enough that my wife can stay home with the kids during the day because we’ve been able to keep our bills low, and have sometimes “gone without” those wants that we just couldn’t afford.

If both you and your spouse have to work and there doesn’t seem time to make a family meal, you might want to pull out (or buy yourself one) a crock-pot/slow cooker, and check out some crock-pot recipes.

Find time for you and your family, save money, and get the added benefit that you’re doing something (else) to make a positive impact on your kids.

[tags]family, parenting, family meal, productivity, crock pot recipes, family table, catholicsphere, catholic, christian, faith, finance[/tags]