Benefits of the Family Meal

Approximately half of the pre-school children do not have breakfast with their parents on most mornings. Parents set the food on the table in a hurry to finish off the household chores in busy morning time. Dozens of scientific studies have demonstrated an impressive list of benefits associated with eating together as a family.

The nutritional benefits alone are dramatic. Each meal at home is healthier than a meal on go. The meals on go also lessen the enjoyment and fun time that kids can actually spend with their parents. As kids eat more at home with parents, they naturally begin to eat whole food grains, dairy products, fruits and vegetables than their peers do. They are more likely to achieve the nutritional benefits derived from the food. They eat less deep fried foods and drink fewer sugared and carbonated drinks.
Increasing the number of family dinners results in higher intake of several specific nutrients such as high fiber, calcium, folate, iron, vitamins B6, B12, C and E. The educational benefits are even greater when kids are involved in cleaning and preparation. They come to know how to plan for the meals and they may learn a few simple age-appropriate baking techniques, boosting their self confidence even more. Kids can do anything from setting or clearing the table, arranging table, chopping, cutting, pouring milk, water or juice in glasses. You can always make teams or assign the work to each individual, inculcating the sense of responsibility

Students eating more meals at home perform better in school. They spend more time in doing their homework, obtain better grades and read for pleasure. The probability of their involvement in alcohol intake, tobacco or illegal drugs is reduced considerably. They are less likely to engage in early sexual activity or develop eating disorders. The kids have high self esteem and lower chances of these kids experiencing depression.

But it is very important to understand that bringing takeout food home and eating it at home in front of television is different from eating together with family around the table. The more often children sit in front of television, the more likely they are to get additional calories from fatty meats, pizza, salty snacks and sodas. Try new things. Bring variety by including the dishes from various parts of the world and allow kids to choose whatever they like most.

Each family meal offer routine and consistency in the midst of change. These meals are an opportunity to learn together about communication, manners, nutrition and good health.

At dinner the table, the conversation between parents and kids makes kids feel more closer and bonded with parents. The communication becomes fruitful when everyone shares experiences, discuss the holiday plan, feelings, information and small kids especially come to learn many more things. The get a feel of love, bonding and security with parents.

Its a great way to model behavior as the parents expect their kids to be like. Parents can teach table manners, meal etiquette, and social skills without giving lectures or spanking children just by demonstrating their own self.

Even without conscious efforts family meals provide better nutrition, better health, behavior and happier parents, children and grandparents.