OPINION: Connection over family meals worth the effort

How often are we told to slow down and smell the roses, that life moves too fast, and that we need to appreciate what’s around us?

Well I can wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment, especially when it comes to the good old family evening meal.

How many of us can honestly say we put a reasonable amount of thought and care intothe preparation of our meals and eating them?

Are the days of the traditional family meal behind us, with the entire household, (with maybe the dog begging for a scrap) sitting around the table, and a range of goodies on the dining room table?

Well not in this Pom’s house, and at least not recently.

My family and I make the time, which is what it boils down to — time.

We set aside time during the week, and more on the weekend, to put real thought and effort into not only what we eat, but also the manner in which we eat it.

While trying not to be a big ball of cliches, we make time for family time.

Food is the central focus, but catching up on our days, planning future outings and solving (some) of the world’s problems are all on the mealtime agenda.

Yes, it is a pain sometimes, yes we can get into the mindset of just wanting to veg out in front of the TV, and a good conversation is the last thing we might want.

But by simply making the effort, it seems to have brought us closer as a family, providing all of us, adults and kids alike, with a fresh new perspective on communal eating.

Well that’s just the opinion of this Pom in Oz-land.