Bring Back Big Families

In our house, the kitchen table is more than just a piece of furniture: it’s the heartbeat of our family. With six kids running around, mealtimes are a sacred ritual, a time when we all come together, share stories, catch up on baseball games, and just be. I’ve noticed something about this over the years: my kids seem different from others. Not in a boastful way, but in a grounded, content way. I think a big part of it comes down to one simple thing: we make sure they eat, and we eat together as a family.

There’s something magical about family dinners. It’s not just about the food (last night’s corn casserole bust is testament to that). It’s about the connection. When we sit down together, no phones or tablets, passing the ketchup back and forth like a game of ping pong, not just feeding our bodies but also our souls. The kids talk about their day, the games played at recess or the math and spelling tests they aced. We laugh, we listen, and sometimes we bicker, but it’s all part of the glue that holds us together. Studies have shown that kids who eat regular family meals tend to have better emotional health, stronger relationships, and even higher academic performance. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the time spent together.

But let’s talk about when we eat, because I think this is where a lot of families are missing the mark. I’ve noticed it in particular at my son’s baseball games. The other kids often seem cranky, short-tempered, not focused, or just off. Meanwhile, my boy is out there, focused, hustling, and having fun. The difference? He’s not starving. We make it a point to feed him a solid meal before the game. Other parents talk about grabbing dinner after the game, sometimes hours later. I get it because life is busy, and having a big family means juggling a lot. But kids aren’t built to go from school to practice to games on an empty stomach. They’re growing, moving, and burning energy like little furnaces. Waiting until 8 or 9 p.m. to eat is setting them up to struggle.

I see it in their attitudes. A hungry kid is a cranky kid. They’re not themselves when their blood sugar is crashing. I’ve watched other players say mean things to their teammates or drag their feet in the outfield or on the base paths, and I can’t help but wonder: When was the last time they ate? My kids aren’t perfect, but they’re steady, and I think it’s because we prioritize feeding them early. A good meal before any activity (dance, baseball, choir practice, whatever) gives them the fuel to play hard and stay sharp. It’s not rocket science because kids need energy to thrive, and food is their fuel.

This isn’t about shaming anyone. I know families are doing their best, and big families like mine come with their own chaos. But I think we’ve lost sight of how important it is to feed our kids early and often. School days are long, and extracurriculars make them longer. If we’re asking our kids to perform—whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or just in life—we’ve got to give them the tools to succeed. A solid meal at a reasonable hour is one of those tools.

And here’s where big families shine. When you’ve got a crew like mine, you learn to plan. We cook quick meals that everyone enjoys. We sit down together, and everyone gets their plate before the evening activities kick off. It’s not just about filling bellies; it’s about setting the tone for the night. A fed kid is a happy kid, ready to take on the world (or at least an 8:00 p.m. game).

So, here’s my plea to parents: bring back family dinners, and feed your kids early. It doesn’t have to be fancy either as some quick scrambled eggs and toast can work wonders. But make it a priority. Sit together when you can, and make sure your kids aren’t running on empty. You’ll see the difference, not just in their attitudes, but in their spirits. My kids are proof of that. They’re not perfect, but they’re fueled, and that makes all the difference.

Together, let’s bring back family dinners! The challenge: Tonight, gather your crew, whip up a quick meal (even scrambled eggs will do!), and enjoy some screen-free time together. Tell me how it goes down below in the comments or on X!