MFP 356: Twenty Minutes to Change a Kid's Life – the Importance of Family Dinners

Families need to disconnect from the world's pace, be present to one another and break bread together. - Bishop Thomas Olmstead Summary Why are family dinners so hard — and so important? In our latest Messy Family Podcast episode, we get real about the chaos of mealtime: the cooking, the planning, the juggling schedules, picky eaters, and the endless cleanup. But we also share the good news — it doesn't have to be perfect to matter. Family meals aren't just about food. They're a time to build identity, teach traditions, and give your kids a sense of belonging. Research shows that sharing meals boosts kids' grades, strengthens communication, and protects against depression and risky behaviors. We'll give you practical tips to make family meals doable — even joyful — in the middle of everyday mess. From simple routines to conversation starters and kid-friendly chores, this episode will help you make mealtime your family's "north star." Listen now and rediscover the power of your dinner table! Key Takeaways Close with: "Those 20 minutes around your table might be the most important minutes of your child's day." Recap: Family meals strengthen minds, hearts, and homes Make it a priority Have a routine Use the time to connect Include the kids to make it happen! Couple Discussion Questions How often does your family sit down together? What is one thing we can do to improve our time together?