subject: The Importance Of Family Dining [print this page] Eating meals together is one of the most important things you can do with your family. It brings the family together in a comfortable setting and environment. Mealtime offers a great opportunity for strengthening relationships in the family. Family dining allows parents and children time to communicate and to talk about what's happened during each other's day. It improves the parent/child relationship by giving them time to re-connect and learn about each other. It can also offer a place where children feel safe and can let their guard down around their family.
Many people overlook the significance of regularly eating as a family. Everyone has busy schedules. Many times, both parents are working and kids have after school activities and sports, it's difficult to get together. It's easy to believe that eating together is less important. There never seems to be enough time to be together as a family. But studies on family dining show that kids who eat with their parents, are less likely to drink, do drugs or smoke. They are also less likely to have teen sex, get into fights or get suspended. Family mealtime also increases a sense of well being in kids.
Eating regular meals as a family is associated with a healthier diet. Research shows that kids, who eat 5 or more meals with their families, eat more foods rich in fiber, calcium, fruits and vegetables. Children who don't eat family meals have a fifteen percent chance of being overweight. Family dining teaches kids to make better choices in their diets. It contributes to nutritional benefits that are long-term. Children gain the skills and knowledge that will make a positive effect on their health in the future. They will also adopt positive eating habits.
Family dining is also a time when parents teach their children about manners. Good table manners are essential in today's society yet they are very seldom taught. Kids learn from their parents by watching what they do. This is a great time for a parent to model behavior that they want their children to copy. Parents are roll-models for their kids. Family dining doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. A ten-course meal isn't necessary. Eating together doesn't have to be at home, it can be at a favorite restaurant. The only thing that's required for family meals is food and family and a willingness to be together and enjoy each other's company. Eating together as a family is a tradition that should be continued no matter how busy a family may be.
by: Cheow Yu Yuan
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