Happy Meals-Tips from Living on the Edge

I listened this week to "How to Raise Positive Kids in a Negative World" by Chip Ingram who has a broadcast ministry,Living on the Edge. I found out that 40% of meals sold at McDonald's are "Happy Meals." O.K.- so we are looking for more than fuel to feed us. Chip talked about ways to bond with kids(and I might add spouses). Scheduled time is vital. Men especially need to write down Monday breakfast with family then Mon.-Weds.- Friday 6:00 pm family dinner. That way they can truthfully say I already have a meeting at that time- what about Tues? Chip stressed the importance of eating dinner together! At a family meal (Happy Meal?), you are giving your children and spouse focused attention. Turn off the TV and while eating, listen to each other, give eye contact, follow up with questions. Chip calls that "...putting money in the relational bank." Then #1 on Chip's list to develope communication with your family is eating dinner together. What are you modeling? It's more important to have those 4 or more family meals a week than sports practices etc. Let your kids and spouses know- we eat as a family and this is what matters most. "You find out more about a man by listening to his conversation than by looking at a house he has built."- C.S. Lewis.