I could not believe what I was reading. Bloomberg reports that for the first time ever, as of March this year, Americans have spent more money at restaurants than at grocery stores.

“Grocery stores are finding it harder to make headway with shoppers as a surge in spending at restaurants over the past several months signals Americans are more likely to ditch the brown bags in favor of doggy bags.” Bloomberg Business April 12, 2015

I enjoy a good take out or dine in meal as much as anyone else, but the highlight of my day is coming home after a long day at the office and sitting down to enjoy a meal with my most favorite people in the world. We pretty much religiously sit down for dinner together every night. Every Sunday afternoon finds the entire family enjoying one of my wife’s culinary creations. Is it difficult to get everyone together, set the table, set out the food family style, serve all 12 plates, pray together and finally eat without killing each other? (Not to mention grocery shopping, meal planning, food preparation, etc) Yes, it is. But it is worth it every time.

You have probably come up with a million reasons in the last 30 seconds why you can’t do it, why you don’t want to it, why you won’t even try to do it. All are probably very valid reasons. But below you will find six reasons to share meals around your dining room table. Six simple reasons why you should try to prepare and enjoy a meal at home with your family. Start with once a week. Just once a week. Don’t even worry about every day at this point. Start small.

Here we go:

1. Your kids will remember those times forever.

You will find that your kids really enjoy cracking eggs, mashing potatoes, and getting dirty in the kitchen. Of course you will have to dig out the occasional egg shell and there will be times the flour will be strewn across the counter…and the floor. Everything might not be perfect, but we aren’t striving for perfect, remember? We are making memories.

2. You will find a myriad of opportunities to pass on heirlooms to your children.

Grandma’s recipes are gathering dust way up in the cabinet. Dust them off and give them a try. Get out that old stained baking dish you hide a the back of the cupboard because it always looks filthy. Tell your kids the about how you used to make Rice Crispy treats in it with Papa. It will become more of a shrine than an embarrassment.

3. You can’t really have a meaningful conversation at a noisy restaurant.

Restaurants for the most part are loud, loud, loud. Family dinner time is a great time to ask questions, give explanations, look to the future and discuss the past. Talk to your kids and they just might talk to you. Your dinner table is the perfect place for it.

4. Family dinners will be save you $$$.

Ah yes, you knew this was coming. The home family dinner will cost you a fraction of what a meal out will cost. Families (especially big ones) should always be looking for ways to be better stewards of what God has given us. And you won’t have to tip the waitress. But don’t forget to kiss the cook.

5. Home cooked meals are typically healthier then restaurant meals.

What is Outback Steakhouse really putting in that Bloomin’ Onion anyway? I bet you don’t really know. Home cooked means you get to choose the healthy ingredients your family eats every night. And that means you are in control. I like that.

6. It gives you the perfect setting to take a deeper interest into your kid’s and spouse’s lives.

Some of the greatest conversations take place around the dinner table. The intimacy and teamwork that goes into each meal creates the perfect atmosphere for fruitful meaningful communication. Conversations that will draw you closer together. And no matter the size, being closer together is what we need as a family.

I would love to hear about your attempt at a family dinner. Or do you have a story about a meal that didn’t go quite right? Let’s talk about it. Leave a comment below.