For years, we have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  It makes perfect sense!  After a good night’s sleep, your body needs nourishment.  Studies show that children who have breakfast have better concentration, motor skills, and problem-solving skills.  The American Diabetic Association also showed an improvement in eye-hand coordination.  Other studies show it helps in weight loss and weight control.  Just look at the Special K advertisements……Their marketing team read the report.

The other morning, I was listening to the radio and there was a news bit about a study proving a homemade breakfast was healthier than the pre-packaged ones.  Sadly, I can not find the study….. but it makes sense.

Looking back on my “working” years,  I passed out pop-tarts as we climbed into our cars for our carpool to daycare, school and work.  On a good day when time wasn’t a factor, cereal was served….usually in a plastic baggie just in case time ran out and we had to eat on the run.  Was I wrong?  Some may say yes but to be honest I did the best I could.

We have all heard the studies that prove eating dinner together as a family improves the quality of your family, helps keep your children from drugs, and is overall better for your family’s health.  But what about eating breakfast together?  We all know it is the most important meal but what about the family togetherness?  I googled and couldn’t find a single study on the effects of a family eating together at breakfast.  Time Magazine had an article about the positive outcome of eating one meal (dinner) together.  It was a very interesting article.  The author noted the affects of eating every dinner together versus eating 3-5 dinners together.  Wanna take a gander as to which was better???

So if eating dinner each night together as a family improves your family health and your children’s emotional stability, what do you think would happen if you eat breakfast together?  Mind-blowing isn’t it???  I realize that some of you are thinking, “I work and there is no way.”  Hear me out…..

I grew up in a two income home.  My mother was a teacher and my father worked as a draftsman.  We were up by 6 am, dressed and dad would call us to his microwaved eggs or Eggo waffles.  We all sat down and at breakfast together every morning.  He was dressed and coffeed-up by 5:45.  He made our lunches and then breakfast, allowing Mom the time to get ready.  It was a commitment and a memory I treasure.  So, now, my family and I gather together and enjoy breakfast.

Even though eggs, toast, and bacon may be the dying art of a daily breakfast but meal sharing doesn’t.  That is the key…. sharing.   When we are sitting there, sleepy eyed, and tired, we are sharing a new beginning together.  Our table talk is much different than dinner.  We talk about what the weather is going to be like and plans about the day.  We sometimes plan strategic car shuttling, creatively solve schedule conflicts  and  discuss how everything is going to get done.  We try to have time together and not to feel so rushed.  And it is something I miss if I am rushed out the door with a last minute sub job.  I feel incomplete and my day is a little off.  And most importantly, I miss the time I would have spent with my family……..

So, besides the nourishment, in our home, breakfast is the most important meal of the day for our emotional health.   We are not normal…. we eat breakfast and dinner together without distractions like the TV.  It is a time of sharing of jokes, love, and plans.  Something I would regret to give up!!

God Bless…..

Related posts:

1. Meal-Planning
2. Wal-Mart Breakfasts…..HA!