I grew up in a household where family meal was a nightly activity and an important part of family life. Without fail my mom prepared dinner for at least an hour before we gathered around the table. She was a loud cook, banging pots and pans around and occasionally mildly swearing if a dish didn't turn out quite right. During meal time my parents asked all kinds of questions about our day and we often shared family folklore. Dinner lasted about 30 to 40 minutes and clean up took another 15. As we grew into our teens, meal time would be sometimes cut short, and once we were allowed to drink wine, hey, it could last hours!
And the best part about family meal? Everyone had a voice and no topic was taboo. We could talk about anything! And I mean anything! My mom is Sicilian and I am pretty sure that has a lot to do with it. (Need help getting conversations going, check out Conversation Starters)
Today I eat Family Meal with my three kids and husband at least 5 times a week; this allows the kids one night to eat on the fly, and another night should I have a business meeting. I know, even with my busy schedule, it is worth it to take the time and share in this experience together. There are countless studies that show families that eat together thrive: kids do better in school, have less problems, and are better adjusted; parents feel better about themselves and overall the family unit is better equipped to deal with whatever comes its way.
The best family meals/dinners are the ones that inspire fun and adventure. Hands down, my favorite is "Breakfast for Dinner in PJs". Sometime soon I want to try safari dinner, or even upside down dinner. I have no idea what that would really entail, but is sounds fun and that's the point.