By Bill Conley
Moral
of the Story:
Mealtime is more than just
eating—it’s about sharing, listening, and spending time with the people you
love. It’s not a time for phones, tablets, or TV, but for talking, laughing,
and learning about each other’s day. It's also a time to be thankful for the
food that’s been prepared, and to eat what’s provided without demanding
something different. When families eat together with respect and gratitude,
they grow closer and stronger every day.
Benny the Bear lived in a cozy cabin
at the edge of Pinecone Peak with his mom, dad, and little sister Bella.
Benny was a fun-loving bear who
loved games, gadgets, and snacks. But when it came to mealtime, he often
grumbled.
One evening, Mama Bear called from
the kitchen, “Dinner’s ready!”
Benny came bouncing in with his
video game in his paws.
“Can I eat in front of the TV?” he
asked.
Papa Bear looked up from the table.
“No, son. Mealtime is family time. No screens at the table.”
Benny groaned and plopped into his
chair, game still in hand.
“Benny,” Mama Bear said gently, “put
it away. We want to hear you—not your game.”
Benny rolled his eyes and turned it
off. “Fine.”
When Mama Bear placed the meal on
the table—fresh vegetable stew with biscuits—Benny wrinkled his nose.
“Ugh. I don’t like green things. Can
I just have cereal instead?”
“No, Benny,” Papa Bear said. “This
is what’s for dinner.”
“But I don’t like it!” Benny pouted.
“We’re all eating the same thing,”
Mama said. “It’s respectful to try what’s been made with love.”
Bella took a big spoonful. “Yum! The
carrots are sweet!”
Benny crossed his arms and slumped
in his seat.
The next morning, Grandma Bear came
to visit.
“Tonight, I’ll cook dinner,” she
smiled.
Benny perked up. “Great! You make
the best honey-nut pancakes!”
But that evening, Grandma served
something different—wild rice, roasted squash, and mushroom stew.
Benny looked horrified. “Is there
anything else?”
Grandma Bear raised an eyebrow. “No,
dear. This is the meal.”
He looked around. Everyone else was
eating, laughing, and chatting about their day.
“I found a feather today in the
garden,” Bella said proudly.
“I fixed the porch railing,” Papa
Bear added.
“I taught the twins to tie their
shoes,” Mama Bear said.
Then they all looked at Benny.
“What did you do today?” Papa asked.
Benny realized something.
He didn’t know what to say.
He hadn’t shared anything because
he’d been too focused on his screen at lunch… and too busy complaining at
dinner.
“I... um...” Benny stammered. “I
guess I forgot to pay attention.”
That night, Mama Bear tucked him in.
“Benny,” she said, “do you know why
mealtime matters?”
“Because we’re supposed to eat what
we’re given?” he guessed.
She smiled. “That’s part of it. But
it’s also because it’s one of the few times each day we sit together, share
stories, and connect.”
Benny looked thoughtful. “Like a
team meeting?”
“Exactly!” she nodded. “And being
part of the team means being present—body and heart.”
Benny hugged his blanket. “I think I
want to try again tomorrow.”
The next evening, Benny came to the
table without his game.
He even helped set the napkins and
cups.
Dinner was grilled fish and roasted
veggies.
When Mama placed the dish in front
of him, he almost said, “Do we have peanut butter instead?”—but caught himself.
He took a bite.
“Huh. Not bad.”
Everyone smiled.
Then Papa Bear asked, “What was your
favorite part of the day?”
Benny lit up. “I found a cool rock
shaped like a heart at school! And I helped Sammy carry his books.”
“Wow!” Bella gasped. “I want to see
the rock later!”
Benny grinned. “Okay!”
They spent the rest of the meal
sharing stories, giggling, and passing the honey-butter biscuits.
From then on, Benny changed.
He no longer asked for cereal or
snacks when dinner was served.
He didn’t bring screens to the
table.
Instead, he listened, shared, and
even helped cook sometimes.
One night, he made a fruit salad—and
proudly watched everyone eat it.
“It’s okay if you don’t love
everything,” Mama Bear said one evening. “But it’s important to be grateful and
to try.”
Benny nodded. “Mealtime is for
family—and trying something new.”
Soon, Benny started reminding others:
“Turn off your screen, Dad—it's
dinner time!”
“No swapsies, Bella—we eat what’s
made!”
Mama and Papa Bear chuckled. “We’re
proud of you, Benny.”
He smiled.
Because he had learned that mealtime
wasn’t just about the food.
It was about family.
It was about gratitude.
It was about respect.
Moral
Poem to End the Story:
Dinnertime is not for screens,
Or swapping meals for jelly beans.
It’s time to sit, to talk, and share,
To show your family that you care!
About the Author
Bill Conley is a dedicated storyteller, life coach, and faith-filled guide whose heartfelt children’s stories have brought smiles and timeless lessons to families everywhere. As the author of hundreds of moral-rich tales, Bill believes in planting seeds of kindness, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in the hearts of children while they’re young. His signature style weaves simple yet powerful truths into colorful adventures with animal heroes, each story crafted to teach values that last a lifetime.
Bill’s passion for writing comes from his own journey, years of experience as a father, grandfather, mentor, and devoted husband. He understands that children need stories that do more than entertain; they need stories that shape character, spark imagination, and open conversations between parents and kids.
Whether he’s writing about a brave little beaver, a wise turtle, a fast cheetah, or a gentle cloud that forgets how to rain, Bill pours his love for faith, family, and old-fashioned values into every word. He knows that small lessons today become big strengths tomorrow.
In addition to his books, Bill is a certified life coach who has helped countless people build stronger relationships, grow in faith, and navigate life’s storms with confidence and hope. His words encourage children and grown-ups alike to be kind, stay positive, honor commitments, and always believe they are enough.
When he’s not writing, Bill enjoys spending time with his three daughters and two grandchildren, sharing laughter and lessons across generations. He also finds joy in serving his church and community, living out the very values he writes about so passionately.
Bill Conley’s greatest hope is that every story will help families build warm memories together—reading aloud, asking questions, and inspiring children to grow into caring, courageous, and thoughtful adults.
He invites you to keep reading, keep talking, and keep believing that the smallest good things we do can change the world for the better.
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