Week 28: Calm Before the Storm, Teenagers, and the Power of Family Dinners #69-72

The Summer is Almost Over

This week felt like the calm before the storm. School is about to start, and for the first time in a long time, we had very little on the schedule. My son had three friends over 18-year-old boys, which meant lots of snacks, sodas, big breakfasts, and late-night movies with popcorn.

I sent them into the forest to find swimming holes, let them stay up late, and we all still sat down to have dinner together. For me, that’s the heart of it. Sitting down at the table isn’t just about food it is about connection. When my kids bring their friends, I get to ask questions, hear about their interests, and get a little window into their future hopes. It is one of my favorite ways to know who my kids are and who they are becoming.

At the end of the week, we did some school shopping, but what I’ll remember most is those dinners lingering conversations, laughter, and just being present together before the busyness of the school year begins.

Why Family Dinners Matter

Research continues to show what many parents already feel in their hearts: family dinners make a difference.

✨ Kids who eat with their families regularly are more likely to do better in school. Teens who have frequent family dinners are twice as likely to get A’s compared to those who don’t (CASA Report, Columbia University).

✨ Family dinners lower risk behaviors. Studies show that teens who share meals with their families are less likely to use drugs, drink, or engage in risky behavior (The Family Dinner Project).

✨ Conversations at the table build communication skills. Children who have frequent family meals develop a stronger vocabulary than those who don’t (Harvard Graduate School of Education).

✨ Connection at the table supports mental health. Teens who eat regularly with their families are less likely to experience depression or anxiety (Journal of Adolescent Health).

In short: a simple dinner can be one of the most powerful parenting tools we have.

My Takeaway This Week

This week we had 4 dinners togher. I had meal planned tacos, burgers, pasta, frenchtoast, pancakes and raviolo as things to sepcifically make my housefull of teens. This made meal times actually happen, and a little easier. Family dinners aren’t about the perfect meal or everyone loving the same food. This week reminded me that it’s about showing up. About pulling up extra chairs for friends, listening more than talking, and creating a safe space where kids want to linger.

Try it!

This week, try one extra family dinner even if it’s takeout pizza, grilled cheese, or breakfast for dinner. The research is clear: those moments matter far more than the menu. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s presence.