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The Hour that Matters Most by Les & Leslie Parrott

The Hour that Matters Most: The Surprising Power of the Family Meal

The Hour that Matters Most is a great encouragement for a family meal time.  The Hour that Matters Most isn't just an invitation for join your family around the table, it's a practical how-to guide including conversation starters, recipes, conflict avoidance and listening advice.  There is plenty of research shared in the book to encourage even the most skeptical parent to give family meals a try.

I keep saying meals, because as the book points out, this does not have to be dinner, any consistent meal for families around the same table will have benefits.  One of the authors even shares that her family met around the breakfast table each day.  I love how the book addresses most of the major stumbling blocks, such as the infamous short order cook syndrome which is so easy to fall into, as well as how to start your own Fix-and-Freeze club to help insure you have an alternative to gulp and go fast food.

We normally have dinner together as a family, so the most helpful part of this book were all the insights into stopping conflict before it starts, as well as some of the ways to instill manners and values without being overbearing.  I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a way to engage your children, interested in having more meals together, or if you just want some helpful reminders on how to be a good listener.

This book was provided to me by Tyndale Publishing House in exchange for a review.  I am never required to give good reviews, but I think this one is definitely worthy of high praise.
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