Dinner time! Between work schedules, hockey practice and swimming lessons, it can be challenging for families to sit down and eat together on a regular basis, but new research is showing that the benefits of making time for family meals go way beyond basic nutrition.
For example, research shows that pre-teens and teenagers who sit down to eat with their parents five or more times per week had lower rates of smoking, drinking and drug use than kids who eat with their family twice a week or less. They also had higher grades, healthier diets and stronger bonds with their parents. They were less likely to be depressed, consider suicide or develop eating disorders. How’s that for important?
Researchers speculate one reason why family dinners benefit kids so significantly is because of the bonding that takes place at the table. Sure, sometimes everyone is tired after a long day and conversing is more akin to grunting. That’s normal. But when eating together is a regular event there is more opportunity for parents and children to talk about their day, their problems or to discuss what’s happening in the world around them (this means the T.V. has to be off). Family stories get shared, memories are re-lived, jokes are told, opinions are expressed and kids learn that what they think, feel and do is important to their parents. Self-esteem grows, as does a sense of belonging and security.
Despite its importance, eating together has its challenges, especially when everyone has been out of the house all day long. None of the research said that families have to eat a five course meal every night. The simpler you make family meals, the more likely you are to actually have them. Take the pressure off and try ordering something in once in awhile. At Cambridge Pizza you can get family friendly food, like a high-quality pizza, tasty salads or hearty lasagna and garlic bread. All you have to do is call 519-622-2228. Then set the table, turn off the T.V. and cell phones and tell everyone to come and get it. Your family will be better off for it.
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