IS THIS YOUR FAMILY?

A Common Sight Around America's Dinner Tables

Researchers have found that families who share meals together on a regular basis, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner reap many benefits.

• Family meals are more nutritious. A Harvard study found that families who eat together are twice as likely to eat their five servings of fruits and vegetables as families who don’t eat together.
• Kids who eat family meals tend to eat a wider variety of foods and become less picky eaters.
• Family meals provide an opportunity for family members to come together, strengthen ties and build better relationships. They build a sense of belonging which leads to better self-esteem.
• Family meals offer parents a chance to be role models. They can set an example of healthy eating and polite table manners.
• Family meals help prevent obesity. Research shows that people tend to eat less during family meals because they eat more slowly, and talk more.
• Research shows that kids who eat family meals have a lower chance of engaging in high risk behaviors such as substance use and violence, and fewer psychological problems.

Tips for eating more meals together:

• Make family meals a priority in your household. Focus on the importance of being together as a family more than on making an elaborate meal.
• Start with small steps. Increase the number of family meals by one extra meal a week.
• As a family, plan a menu for the week and make a grocery list.
• Let the kids be involved. Let them help prepare food or set the table.
• Work as a family to clean up afterwards.
• Turn off the TV.

It’s worth a try.  More family mealtime could mean large rewards for your family.

https://www.fcconline.org/the-importance-of-family-mealtime/