I didn't fully grasp the wisdom in my husband's influence in leading us to have sit-down family dinners every night when the kids were younger. I was one to live in a bit more chaos, thinking it was fine to just eat on the 'go', even if we were only in the house.
Now that the kids are older-11, 13, 15- I see how much it has mattered to start them as babies with the routine of stopping everything to sit, give thanks, and nourish their bodies. What we've eaten throughout the years has influenced them more than anything. They've seen us eat at regular times every day throughout their lives, and it is only natural for them to do the same.
It is part of parenting: teach your children to value the body God has given them, teach them to be grateful for the food He's provided, teach them that routine brings order, and give them the best opportunity at a healthy life with the best brain development you can afford.
I recall days, apparently gone by, when every mother knew that waking a child at a good, early hour was the best way to start the day. Followed by a wholesome breakfast, which meant limited sugar, milk, fruit and grains--the body was at its best to learn and play and grow.
A day when moms knew that sleep begets sleep, and children need naps. There wasn't this arbitrary waiting to see if the child was sleepy--mom knew that a child under 5 needed a regular rest every day at the same time. So one o'clock rolled around and the little ones were put down--AWAKE, and disciplined (ie trained) to stay in their bed and go to sleep or shut their eyes and rest. This happened after having to SIT DOWN and eat what mom put in front of them...and after waking from nap and playing and learning, a healthy dinner was served and parents and children ate the same food and were grateful. Then bedtime happened, in ones own bed, at the SAME early hour every night.
Those days seem gone in this age of permissive parenting, where privileges are given before responsibilities are given. It is a sad thing, but there is hope for those who care about their kids enough to do the hard work of parenting!
Old fashioned values do a lot more than stir up nostalgia. There is a purpose in eating together, talking together, giving thanks together, and nourishing our bodies with good fuel. Life is better when you are healthier and you optimize God's gift of life, for the years He's given.
Now that the kids are older-11, 13, 15- I see how much it has mattered to start them as babies with the routine of stopping everything to sit, give thanks, and nourish their bodies. What we've eaten throughout the years has influenced them more than anything. They've seen us eat at regular times every day throughout their lives, and it is only natural for them to do the same.
It is part of parenting: teach your children to value the body God has given them, teach them to be grateful for the food He's provided, teach them that routine brings order, and give them the best opportunity at a healthy life with the best brain development you can afford.
I recall days, apparently gone by, when every mother knew that waking a child at a good, early hour was the best way to start the day. Followed by a wholesome breakfast, which meant limited sugar, milk, fruit and grains--the body was at its best to learn and play and grow.
A day when moms knew that sleep begets sleep, and children need naps. There wasn't this arbitrary waiting to see if the child was sleepy--mom knew that a child under 5 needed a regular rest every day at the same time. So one o'clock rolled around and the little ones were put down--AWAKE, and disciplined (ie trained) to stay in their bed and go to sleep or shut their eyes and rest. This happened after having to SIT DOWN and eat what mom put in front of them...and after waking from nap and playing and learning, a healthy dinner was served and parents and children ate the same food and were grateful. Then bedtime happened, in ones own bed, at the SAME early hour every night.
Those days seem gone in this age of permissive parenting, where privileges are given before responsibilities are given. It is a sad thing, but there is hope for those who care about their kids enough to do the hard work of parenting!
Old fashioned values do a lot more than stir up nostalgia. There is a purpose in eating together, talking together, giving thanks together, and nourishing our bodies with good fuel. Life is better when you are healthier and you optimize God's gift of life, for the years He's given.
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