Introduction:
Numerous
physical, social-emotional, and intellectual advantages of frequent family
dinners have been demonstrated by more than three decades of research. The only
activity known to deliver all of these advantages simultaneously is eating
together, however, some of them can be obtained through other activities as
well.
For a warm, happy family supper — the kind of setting that makes these scientifically proven advantages possible — we advise combining food, fun, and discussion at mealtimes.
The following are some particular advantages of family dinners:
• Improved
academic results
• A higher
sense of self
• A stronger
sense of adaptability
• Reduced
chance of substance abuse
• Decreased
chance of teen pregnancy
• Reduced
chance of depression
• Less
chance to develop eating disorders
• Reduced
levels of obesity
• Teenagers
with better cardiovascular health
•
Preschoolers' vocabulary is larger
• Younger adults' healthier eating habits
Adults can also reap the following advantages:
• More
fruits and vegetables and less fast food for better nutrition
• Reduced
dieting
• Higher
self-esteem
• Reduced chance of depression
The
advantages of dining with the family will be discussed in more detail as follows:
Sharing meals with your family has numerous advantages for both kids and adults.
1. They promote attachment
As long as
the setting is supportive, children of families who share meals together feel
more supported, comfortable, and safe.
Children who
sit down to eat with the family but are coerced to do so or disciplined for
their food choices or eating habits may not benefit from this type of family
gathering.
Importance of family dinner
2. They
support appropriate conduct
Teaching
politeness, encouraging communication, and averting behavioral issues can all
be accomplished during mealtime.
A child
might feel secure knowing they will be seated for meals at regular intervals
throughout the day.
Children are further prepared for the social expectations at the table through conversation and manners instruction.
3. A family meal promotes communication
It's
possible that talking and listening during conversations is more significant
than the actual food your family consumes or the location of your meals
Good discussion fosters connection and gives your child a secure space in which to "think things out."
4. They
encourage adjusting
The social
skills and capacity to handle the social circumstances of children who dine with
their families are typically superior.
That might be a result of the safety net of the family or the skills developed via regular conversations about struggles and accomplishments.
5. Family gatherings foster trust
An important
component of encouraging good eating is trust, which family-style meals may
foster between parents and children.
By allowing family-style dining at the table, you can demonstrate to your child that you have faith in his ability to choose appropriate meals based on the foods you provide.
6. They support academic success
Numerous
family meals per week are linked to higher academic performance, according to studies.
I'm not sure how this works, but it might have something to do with how connected and supported you feel in your family, how accountable you are, and how interested you are in how your children are doing in school.
7. Family
dinners promote healthy growth
Family
dinners that are wholesome and encouraging can support a child's health and
normal development.
It might be more common to serve balanced meals that include foods from all the food groups and less likely to serve convenience foods that have been highly processed.
8. They teach your kid how to behave
When parents
regularly set their kids down at the table, there is plenty of time for
instruction and practice.
Children may find it challenging to learn proper table manners if they don't spend much time at the table.
9. They encourage your kid to have a positive relationship
Children's
relationships with food evolve as they mature and engage with both food and the
environment in which they are fed.
A relaxed,
trusting atmosphere at the table promotes a healthy connection with food and
eating.
A strained connection with food might result from excessive pressure to eat, punishment or bribery at the table, or persistent nagging about bad food choices.
Remember, developing a lifelong perspective on, and flexibility with, food starts at a young age.
10. Sharing
meals is a transferable skill
Don't forget
that there are other times during the day when you can eat with your family.
Any meal, at
any time, will do! Try having breakfast or lunch together on the weekends.
The nicest
aspect of labor-intensive weekend dinners is that the leftovers may be frozen
for a simple and wholesome weekday supper or snack.
Spend time preparing meals in the kitchen with your family. Give your young children simple activities to complete in the kitchen. Even older children and teenagers can assist prepare the family's breakfast and lunch!
