The Surprising Power of Family Meals: How Eating Together Makes Us Smarter, Stronger, Healthier and Happier

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The Surprising Power of Family Meals is the first book to take a complete look at a ritual that was virtually universal a generation ago but has undergone a striking transformation. No longer honored by society as a time of day that must be set aside, some families see family supper as little more than a quaint relic. But others are beginning to recognize it as a lifeline – a way to connect with their loved ones on a regular basis and to get more enjoyment out of family life. The Surprising Power of Family Meals presents stories, studies, and arguments from the fields of psychology, education, nutrition, family therapy, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and religion. It provides examples of families and communities around North America responding creatively to the pressures of a 24/7 world to share strategies for taking what is best from our past and transforming it to meet current needs.

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18 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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This book is truly amazing.

It is surprisingly more meaningful than I could have ever imagined. As I delve deeper into the exploration of sharing meals with my family on a daily basis, my interest in this topic grows stronger.

The question that keeps popping up in my mind is: could eating together really change the world? I firmly believe that it just might.

Sharing a meal is not just about consuming food; it is a time for connection, communication, and building relationships.

When we sit down at the table with our loved ones, we have the opportunity to share our joys, our sorrows, and our daily experiences.

This simple act of coming together over a meal can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us.

It can bring families closer, strengthen friendships, and even have a positive influence on society as a whole.

So, let's not underestimate the power of eating together.

It just might be the key to changing the world, one meal at a time.
July 14,2025
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Such a great book! It truly focuses on the numerous benefits of having meal time together with your family.

Meal time is not just about eating food; it is a precious opportunity for family members to bond and communicate.

When we sit down at the table together, we can share our daily experiences, joys, and concerns.

This helps to strengthen the family relationships and creates a sense of unity and belonging.

Moreover, having regular family meals can also have a positive impact on our health.

Studies have shown that children who have meals with their families are more likely to have a balanced diet and better eating habits.

Family meals also provide a relaxed and enjoyable environment, which can reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to enhance their family life and enjoy the many benefits of having meal time together with their loved ones.

July 14,2025
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Easy read, interesting facts. This book offers a collection of captivating information that is both engaging and easy to understand. It's like a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be discovered.

Even if you're already well-versed in the subject matter and feel like it's preaching to the choir, you'll still find it inspirational. The words within these pages have the power to motivate and encourage, leaving you with a sense of inspiration and a desire to learn more.

Overall, it's a great book that combines entertainment and education in a seamless way. Whether you're looking for a light read or a source of inspiration, this book has something to offer. So, pick it up, sit back, and enjoy the journey through its pages.

July 14,2025
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Thanks ab, for 'telling' me about this book. And a big thank you to goodreads as well for making it possible for me to discover this wonderful read! So far, I am absolutely loving every single page of it. It's like I've been transported into a whole new world with each turn of the page. The story is captivating, the characters are vivid, and the writing style is engaging. I can't put it down! I'm excited to see what else this book has in store for me. It's truly a gem that I'm so glad to have come across.

July 14,2025
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I truly loved this book.

Our family has the wonderful habit of eating together almost every single night. However, this book was not only an interesting read but also provided me with some excellent ideas.

It made me think about how to handle family dinners in the future when the kids grow older and life becomes more hectic.

I firmly believe that every mother should take the time to read this book.

It offers valuable insights and practical suggestions that can enhance the quality of family time during dinner.

By implementing the ideas from this book, we can ensure that family dinners remain a special and meaningful part of our lives, regardless of the challenges that come our way.

So, I highly recommend this book to all mothers out there.

Give it a read and discover the secrets to making family dinners even more enjoyable and memorable.

July 14,2025
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This was truly a fascinating piece to peruse.

Perhaps the reason it was so enjoyable was mainly because it largely just strengthened the beliefs I already hold regarding family meals.

Family meals are not only a time for sharing food but also for building relationships, communicating, and creating memories.

It's a time when everyone can come together, put aside their differences, and just enjoy each other's company.

Jen, I'm completely enthusiastic about having a book group discussion on this one once you've had the chance to read it.

I think it would be a great opportunity to share our thoughts and perspectives, and maybe even learn something new from each other.

Let's make it happen!
July 14,2025
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By the first chapter of this book, I had already grasped the author's entire argument.

Soon, I found myself eager to skip certain sections or easily getting bored. In fact, the entire book seemed to be just the same two or three points repeated over and over again for 300 pages, without any nuance or depth.

Although I liked some of the stories within the book, if the intended purpose was to persuade and engage the readers, it unfortunately failed to do so.

The truth is, I actually agree with the author's viewpoints, but I strongly disagree with the way she presented much of the content in the book.

Somehow, I had this strange feeling that I was being condescended to, even though I already follow the advice she gives.

It's quite a disappointment really, as I had high hopes for this book initially.

But now, after reading it, I can't help but feel that it could have been presented in a much more effective and engaging manner.

Perhaps with more detailed examples and a more diverse range of perspectives, the book could have truly lived up to its potential.

As it stands, however, it falls short of what it could have been.

July 14,2025
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I truly adored the research, writing, and arguments presented in this book.

The author's exploration of the numerous benefits of having dinner together, along with the research backing each one, was fascinating.

After delving into the first chapter, I found it extremely difficult to put the book down.

I had initially expected it to be a somewhat dull read with some interesting information but a struggle to get through. However, it was quite the opposite.

I also greatly appreciated the author's tone.

It wasn't that of a know-it-all dictating how perfect she was and that we should blindly copy her. Instead, it was filled with excellent research and engaging discussions.

I was the eldest of six children, and we are all very close friends.

Now that we are all parents ourselves, we are pondering what our parents did right and what we can do to enhance our kids' relationships.

Family dinners might just be one of those crucial factors.

We practice "Highs" and "Lows" at dinner, directly inspired by the movie "A Story of Us."

It's a great way to hear from all the kids, giving everyone their own opportunity to speak up and share something.

To be honest, it's not overly profound; we're simply chatting about our day.

But after reading this book, it seems that there is far more significance to "Highs and Lows" than I probably even realized.

What I plan to do differently is to involve the kids more in the cooking process.

We already have post-dinner chores, but now each child will take turns making the salad one night a week and setting the table on another night.

This small step can help build confidence, creativity, a willingness to try new foods, the ability to read a recipe, a sense of responsibility, and it's a valuable contribution to the family.

We're also going to forgo the class that was enjoyable but ran from 6:00 - 7:00.

It was so disruptive last year, yet the kids loved it.

I'm coming to the realization that it's really not as important as having a more peaceful dinner and evening.
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