Summer has ended and schools have opened for business. I remember the daily drill after school while growing up in Texas. A quick snack at the kitchen table and then racing out the door to find neighborhood friends, but we all knew that 5:30 was our family dinner time and we had better be near the house in order to get in, wash our hands and be seated. Some moms had big ol’ country bells they rang and some, including mine, just hollered out the front door – “Dinner Is ready.” We knew we were in big trouble if she yelled more than three times. Mostly we came in on two. But today the schedules are extraordinarily busy with music lessons, sports practices, play rehearsals and ballet making it tougher to come together as a family that eats together. A recent study has found that more than half of the meals people consume are eaten alone, but eating as a family has 8 great benefits for all those around the table. Experts agree:
Reason #1: Communication and Well-Being
Conversations during the meal provide opportunities for the family to bond, plan, connect, and learn from one another which fosters warmth, security and love it is said.
Reason #2: Model Manners (and more)
The perfect opportunity to teach table manners, meal etiquette, and social skills. I wish I could do my kids over – I would listen more acutely, keep the mood light, relaxed, and loving. I instructed way too much.
Reason # 3: Diversity of Menus
I can get in a rut myself, but trying new foods can be fun. While living in Japan, we had to be “quick change artists” and cheerleaders for the children. I thought silky, smooth rice was the perfect dish to serve until we tried chopsticks. And forget the 8-10 times the foodies say take exposures to a new food before accepted. Who knew? But here are 3 suggestions from the experts:
- Include foods from other cultures and countries.
- Select a new vegetable from a local farmer’s market.
- Have your child select a new recipe from a cookbook, web site, newspaper, magazine or check out the recipes on SparkPeople.
Reason #4: Nourishing Food
Meals cooked and eaten at home are usually more nutritious and healthy.
Reason #5: Becoming Self-Sufficient
It takes a team! Large families seem to do this better some times- but basic cooking, baking, and food preparation are necessities for being self–sufficient. I learned team work in the Girl Scouts, but involve your family in menu planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation. Preschoolers can tear lettuce, cut bananas, and set the table. Older children can pour milk, peel vegetables, and mix batter. Teenagers can dice, chop, bake, and grill. Improved eating habits come with “ownership” of a meal.
Reason #6: Prevents Destructive Behaviors
Research shows that frequent family dinners (five or more a week), are associated with lower rates of smoking, drinking, and illegal drug use in pre-teens and teenagers when compared to families that eat together two or fewer times per week.
Reason #7: Improves Grades
Children do better in school when they eat more meals with their parents and family. Teenagers who eat dinner four or more times per week with their families have higher academic performance compared with teenagers who eat with their families two or fewer times per week.
Reason # 8: Saves Money
Eating out is expensive. At present time the restaurant industry’s share of the total food dollar is more than 46% due to commitments and activities.