Over the years, family time at the dinner table has declined. While it may be harmless to miss a family meal occasionally, consistently skipping these shared moments can have impacts on children, as well as the entire family.
Family meals offer more than just nutritional benefits. They provide a unique opportunity for family members to connect and communicate. Studies have shown children who regularly participate in family meals tend to have better academic performance, improved mental health and a lower risk of developing unhealthy eating habits.
The American College of Pediatricians recommends the following tips to consider during family mealtimes:
- Allow your children to help you with food preparation, whenever possible.
- Eat together as a family whenever you can, even if just two of you are home at the time.
- Designate a location in your home for most of your family meals.
- Turn off the television, computer and all personal digital devices.
- Encourage pleasant and respectful conversation.
- Serve a variety of healthy foods during the week.
- Ideally, serve the same foods to all family members, thus avoiding “short-order cooking” and encouraging variety in the diet.
- Require that everyone stay at the table until all family members have finished.
- Enjoy the moment – don’t rush the meal or conversation.
In a world where time is often scarce, prioritizing family meals can be a powerful way to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of belonging.