Healthy habits come in all shapes and sizes.

Life is filled with people that come into your life for short periods and others for long periods, even lifetimes!  But I believe that everyone comes into our lives for a reason and although not always obvious, some wonderful lessons are learned.

I am thinking of my father-in-law, who recently passed away.  He was one of those people that had been in my life for a long time (but not long enough-cause I miss him).

I always relate my blog to kids nutrition and wellness, but my father-in-law did not have the "healthiest" diet.  He did not like to exercise.  He balked at vegetables.  But he did love family and he emphatically believed in family mealtime and its importance.  

I can't remember one time over the many years, where we did not have a family meal together when we were with him.  He always loved for the family to sit around the table and enjoy a home cooked meal followed by just simple family talk.

Family dinner or family breakfast was often followed by an hour or more of talking, laughing, memories and current events discussion.  

He raised his kids that way and continued that tradition when they grew up.  He did not realize all the wonderful lessons he was teaching them by this simple but loving act of eating together as a family.

Recent studies link regular family dinners with* *

• lower rates of substance abuse,
• lower rates often pregnancy and depression
• higher grade-point averages and self-esteem
• dinner conversation is a more potent vocabulary-booster than reading
• the stories told around the kitchen table help our children build resilience
• lower the rates of obesity and eating disorders in children and adolescents
• boosting family bonds

So Dad, for all that you instilled in Michael (my hubby) and in me over the years, I thank you so much for being part of my life!  I love you and miss you dearly.