The Family That Eats Together

The Return to the Family Dinner.

 

Remember when families used to have dinner together?  When I was growing up dinner time was often the first time I saw my dad.  He left the house for work before I was out of bed in the morning and didn’t get home until dinner time. 

 

Dinner time was for reconnecting.  We talked about school but didn’t discuss homework, problems with friends, teachers or other family members, and it wasn’t a time for mom to tell any of the bad things the kids had done during the day!  We discussed hobbies and upcoming events, weekend plans and our favorite TV shows. 

Times have changed since “those days”.  But the fact still remains that dinner time is still an important time in the life of a family.  The following are all good reasons to re-commit to sitting down as a family for dinner.

• Family meals promote healthier eating habits; more fruits, vegetables and nutritionally sound food choices mean less fast food and fewer sugary carbonated beverages.


• Children who eat regular family meals are happier and more likely to be better students.


• Studies show that adolescents who eat with their families are less likely to smoke, drink alcohol, engage in sex, take drugs or think about suicide.


• Children in families who engage in regular mealtimes have better table manners and social skills.


• Teens who eat with their families have fewer incidences of eating disorders.


• Family meals provide a forum for open communication and sharing about the day’s events, school, friends, concerns, etc.


• Family meals provide children with some stability in an ever-changing world. They give children the structure and routine they desperately need.

So, Instead of eating on the run, in your car or as you and the kids are walking through the door, consider the benefits of sitting down for a meal.  And it really doesn’t matter if you cooked yourself- although you will have better control over the ingredients of the meal, or if you bring something in.  Just take the time to spend together as a family.  You’ll be amazed what you will learn about your children if you do. 

And it’s so much nicer to stay in touch around a table then by cell phone or text message.  We all need human contact.  And who better to have that contact with then your family.

The Family That Eats Together