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Food For Thought Barbara Podberesky, R.N., B.A. During the 1950’s eating together as a family was an everyday
occurrence. Since then, however, this much sought after scenario
has had a long and changing history and has becomeincreasingly difficult
for many families to implement. Although the number of U.S. families
who eat dinnertogether is actually increasing from decades of a
downward trend (Sixwise, 2003), the strain of work and after-school
schedules in single or two-parent households often puts this ritual
on the back bur However, recent studies show that, “sitting down for a family meal is a symbol of love, connections and communication. Mealtime can provide quality time for the whole household, fostering family unity and trust and providing a setting for moral and intellectual discussions that reflect family values,” (Zelman, 2005). Why should parents make family mealtime a priority? Starting from the toddler years, studies have shown that families who eat together have better overall nutrition. Harvard University and the University of Minnesota research found families eating together “almost every day ” took in more nutrients, fiber, fruits and vegetables(Sixwise, 2003). A parent’s commitment to a healthy diet teaches children about good nutrition and makinggood choices as they grow. Parents can become role models for good eating habits (Zelman, 2005).
Also, it has been found that children who eat with their families get better school grades and have a more positive attitude about their future. In addition, family mealtime helps children develop language skills (Sixwise, 2003). Children can learn vocabulary, share their ideas and express a point of view. Besides talking about the day’s activities, a wide range of topics can be discussed. Perhaps the most important reason for making mealtime a family ritual is the opportunity to spend time together as a family. By turning off the television, computers, phones and ipods, families can establish cherished memories of bonding, feeling safe about thoughts and feelings, learning new ideas and having fun. For family dinners to be successful, they must be enjoyable, and they must not be a time for discipline and negativity (Sixwise, 2003). Here are some tips for a successful family mealtime:
Good luck parents! Find the time, cherish the moments, make the memories, and try to give this gift to your children. References: [ top ] |
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Mealtime can also teach life skills. Children can learn about planning meals, measurements for recipes, setting the table, and cooperation with serving and clean-up (Dinners in a Flash, 2006). A recent ColumbiaUniversity study also shows that when families eat together children do better in school and are less likely to take drugs (Sixwise, 2003). “It’s in the teenage years that this daily investment pays some of its biggest dividends. Studies show that the more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, develop eating disorders and consider suicide, and the more likely they do well in school, and delay having sex,” (Time, 2006).
