Kendra Smiley Kendra's role-of-a-lifetime began over 35 years ago when she and her husband, John, were married. Together, they have raised three sons. John, a school teacher turned salesman, was a pilot in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves for 30 years. A natural-born entrepreneur, Kendra kept the home fires burning, while growing a home-based business, serving as a youth leader in her church for over 20 years, and staying active in her community. Her work as a mother, entrepreneur, church and community leader did not go unnoticed. In 2001, she was chosen as the Illinois Mother of the Year. "My best choice," Kendra gladly shares, "Was made right after I was married. That's when I realized my personal need for a savior. It wasn't enough to believe God was real, I needed to make the choice to receive him as my personal savior." The Smiley household started on a Christ-centered journey that continues to this day. Today, Kendra enjoys the fruits of her choices. She has written more than half a dozen books, spoken to thousands around the country (and abroad), founded and distributed a daily radio program -- today heard on more than 50 stations. Kendra connects with people whereever she is -- teaching individuals to make the next right choice. View all articles | Contact author

It is amazing that something as simple as eating a meal together can have such a profound effect. Or is it really easy to eat a meal together several times a week?  Kids today are extremely busy...busy with school work, church activities and family commitments. They have performances and athletic events and numerous extracurricular, some with very high levels of expectation.  So...

• Realize that mealtime is significant. Just putting that fact into the equation of each day can go a long way to make meals together a reality.

• Your teenager needs and wants family time. Don't believe the lie that they would rather eat alone. "When asked whether they prefer to have dinner with their families or to eat alone, 84 percent of teens surveyed say they prefer to have dinner with their families."

• Here's a finding from a study done by a surprising source, The Associated Press and MTV, "spending time with family is the number one activity that young adult children between 13 and 24 say makes them happy."

• The problem is not always the busy schedule of the child. Adults can find themselves overworked and overcommitted. When you choose to make the family meal a priority, you are making your kids a priority. They will realize this.

• The purpose of a family meal is to connect. This purpose will be diminished if the meal is accompanied by the TV blaring or cell phones ringing. These days, the news (or any other show) can be recorded to be viewed at a later time. Let's hear it for technology!

• Look for creative ways to interact. There are some good meal time interaction ideas at www.casafamilyday.org