Is Family Mealtime Important?

In an article which asked the question: Is family mealtime important?, Leah Davies, M.Ed, wrote “studies report that family meals are strongly related to the development of adolescent mental health and stability. A Harvard Medical School study found that there are nutritional, as well as social, emotional and academic advantages that occur in children when families share meals together. (http://www.kellybear.com/ParentTips/ParentTip7.html)

Is Family Mealtime Important? Here are 3 Good Reasons

• When children and adults eat together a sense of belonging and trust is fostered.
• Wise food choices, respect for others, and table manners can be exemplified.
• Communication skills are fostered: listening patiently, expressing opinions respectfully, etc.

Is Family Mealtime Important? 5 More Reasons to Eat Together

• Family members know what the rules are when they communicate with each other.
• Mealtime together allows for moral and intellectual discussion where family values are shared.
• The routine of regular meals together fosters a sense of security and stability—so important to emotional health.
• Children are likely to be involved with meal prep and planning when meals are a regular part of life so kids learn skills like shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.
• Meals together can foster traditions and spotlight cultural heritage.

Benefits of Family Mealtime Outweigh any Hassle

If you are too busy to have regular family meals together, then be creative! If that doesn’t work, then you’re too busy. Mealtime may have to be at a different time of the day than in the evening. It may be “picnic” style at a ball game. It may be late evening one night and late afternoon another day. Study after study suggests that the benefits of regular mealtime far outweigh the challenges we face in getting the family together.

Not a Time to Have the TV On!

Fans of family mealtime agree—Turn OFF that television! If eating around the TV is what you’re used to in your family then wean your family away slowly by making certain nights TV-free. Gradually work up to every meal together being one in which agreeable and neutral topics are discussed with each person having a part in the conversation while parents listen respectfully. One good question—“what’s the best thing that happened to you today?”

Teach through example that pleasant mealtimes together are a top priority. Show them that you’re having fun! Listen to their meal suggestions, involve them in the teamwork that can be fostered through preparing food, serving food, clean-up, etc. Your children will more likely be healthy, well-behaved, and well-adjusted.