Should the family eat dinner 2 geather????

Back in the daze I recall families turning off the television during dinner time and everyone actually talked about their day, family business, told a few jokes and had a great time. Now that sounds odd because that just doesn't happen now or does it? From what I can see, most families who do actually eat in the same house, eat in different rooms while either being on Face book, watching t.v. or some other independent activity.
When you really think about it, many families are like this. I think it occurs because we have to earn a living in this dismal economy and that sometimes keeps us working longer hours and spending more time away from loved ones. I can only imagine how hard it must be on my single parent peoples. Another sad fact is that some fathers aren't pulling their weight when it comes to being head of the house. Men have actually told me that they stay at work as long as possible to avoid a nagging mate or tantrums of a noisy kid. That is just ludicrous to me.
As I see all the uninterested students roaming the school hall ways daily, I can only wish they would wake up. Literally, they go to class and sleep because they feel they are only there because they have to be there and refuse to do more than the bare minimum. If someone tries to help these youth, they are quick to let you know they don't care about the future, they worried about getting what they need now by any means necessary.
This is what Wardy realized: It starts with the parents/family first! I don't care what other factors you have in place...its nothing without the previous. How about this. Returning to the family eating dinner 2 geather? Family meals offers parents a unique chace to care for their kids emotional well-being. The dinner tables a place for young ones to get regular access to parental presence and low-key attention. I see so many benefits of family dinners....whew!! Ya know how undisciplined kids just run up in your conversation saying "Mommy/Daddy can I.....", well if you learn to take turns talking at dinner and having responsibilities like set up and clean up....youths actually learn manners that will be present outside the home and yes even at school.
Sure it takes effort from everybody for it to be a success, but I feel its well worth the efforts put fourth. I personally make sure I sit down with my family at least 4 times per week and ask about their day and share mine with them. I feel like I know whats up and vice versa. I know I am far from perfect but I know I am doing my best. Who can ask for more than that?
Again, family meals are a time for closeness, conversations, important information dissemantion and comfort for the child's well being. I suggest everyone try it out for a month and see if your kids don't show an improved attituede as well as you!
I be that Wardster dude!