Family Values

The elusive vacation known to college students across the nation as “spring break” has finally arrived for UNC school system schools. Most students will be traveling to warmer locations in hopes of beach fun, drunken nights, and spring flings with the opposite sex. Many students, like myself, will be returning to their homes to spend quality time with family and friends, or will they? Something I have noticed is plaguing our nation’s families; the erosion of family values.

Not long ago, I was home for winter break and the holidays. I was surrounded by family and friends. It was a very enjoyable time. As a matter of fact, I was invited to spend some time at a good friend’s house. I spent the afternoon with him and was invited to stay for dinner by his mother. I gladly accepted the invitation, expecting a pleasant family gathering filled with discussions and catching up with one another. Instead, to my surprise, dinner was spread across the kitchen counter like a buffet. I was told to fill my plate, while my friend’s parents ate and watched television in the living room. My host’s sister was watching television in the kitchen area, and my host wanted to go to the basement to eat and watch football. I know this may not be shocking to many of you, or it may be, but I was raised in a family where dinner is considered family time.

This is likely not a new trend in American households either. The more technology advances and the more Americans value the phrase “time is money”, the less quality time is spent with family. Americans spend more time working than any other nation in the world. Some argue that this is a way to maintain American international power, influence, and security. But is it really worth the sacrifice of family time and values? It is just sad for me to see that families do not spend time with each other like they used to. Of course not all families are like this, but from my observations it seems like it is a growing occurrence. It is no wonder that divorce rates are so high in our society and family problems are considered a norm. Is it safe to attribute all of these societal issues to the absence of a nightly family meal? It is possible, but I am sure there are other contributing factors.

Ultimately, we college students live away from home for a majority of time during the year. So it is only logical for me to think that family time should be cherished when the opportunity is presented. I know that I will not spend every evening I can eating with my family, but I do know that when we eat, it will be together with the absence of outside distractions like the television or computer. I find these to be extremely anti-social and distracting. So next time you find yourself wanting to watch television at dinner time, remember that your time with your family is limited and should be enjoyed when possible.