THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY DINNER
“When you start to look at the research you realize all the things you worry about as a parent can be improved just by sitting down to regular dinners.” Laurie David, author of The Family Dinner.
Having dinner together as a family on a consistent basis has proven to have some of the most statistically significant payoffs of any action parent can take.
“Children who eat dinner together with their families are less likely to drink, smoke, do drugs, get pregnant, commit suicide, and develop eating disorders”.-Bruce Feiler, The Secrets of Happy Families, 2013
Having regular family dinners together is also linked to a decrease of stress in children, a decrease in obesity and an increase in the relationship quality between children and parents. According to the Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan,“The amount of time children spent eating meals at home is the single biggest predictor of better academic achievement and fewer behavioral problems," and “Mealtime is more influential in the lives of children than time spent in school, studying, attending religious services, or playing sports.”
Mealtime can be a great time to relax and enjoy time with family. It can also be a great way to unwind from the day, process disappointments, set goals for the next day, correct behavior, discuss manners or just tell funny jokes and laugh.
Whatever the tradition, the most important part is to be together for meal times as often as possible. Focus on having some meaningful conversation and enjoy the time together as a family.
“Children who eat dinner together with their families are less likely to drink, smoke, do drugs, get pregnant, commit suicide, and develop eating disorders”.-Bruce Feiler, The Secrets of Happy Families, 2013
Having regular family dinners together is also linked to a decrease of stress in children, a decrease in obesity and an increase in the relationship quality between children and parents. According to the Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan,“The amount of time children spent eating meals at home is the single biggest predictor of better academic achievement and fewer behavioral problems," and “Mealtime is more influential in the lives of children than time spent in school, studying, attending religious services, or playing sports.”
Mealtime can be a great time to relax and enjoy time with family. It can also be a great way to unwind from the day, process disappointments, set goals for the next day, correct behavior, discuss manners or just tell funny jokes and laugh.
Whatever the tradition, the most important part is to be together for meal times as often as possible. Focus on having some meaningful conversation and enjoy the time together as a family.
Family Dinner Conversation Cards:
A special thank you to Frijoles & Fescas for sponsoring our Family Dinner Cards and Family Dinner Events!
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Download our Family Dinner Conversation Cards Here:
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