Family dinners are coming back into style. At least, that's what a New York Times/CBS News survey reported.

Surveyors asked parents: How many of the last seven nights did you eat dinner together with your family? A full 46 percent said seven nights, and every family ate together an average of five times a week. A previous survey done in 1979 indicated that the average American family ate together only three nights a week.

Families today are pulled in many different directions. Kids may enjoy extracurricular activities or being with friends. Parents may work outside the home, sometimes long hours. Schedules for all family members may be varied and hard to coordinate. Because of this, while some families eat together daily, some share a meal only on weekends or special holidays.

Yet for those who decide to make a shared repast a priority, family dinners can provide a valuable time for teaching. They can give everyone a chance to unwind, relax and talk together.

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