Why eating together matters
The speed at which we live today no longer allows for calm, slow eating habits. Most people work long hours, most moms are out working, single parents are struggling to do everything that a couple would normally do, there are lots of fast food opportunities, eating out is on the increase and takeouts and snack food are all some kids know. Food is served at different times to accommodate members of the family with different lifestyle behaviors, and all too often food is eaten in front of the TV.
Even if the intention is to eat together as a family, ‘timing’ can change the whole event because meals occur within such a small time frame. For example, one child might be at an afterschool activity and need picking up at dinner time, disturbing your evening meal routine.
Not only has family structure changed, but the food we eat, where we eat it, and with whom we eat it with has also changed at a similar pace. Combine all these trends and it becomes evident why our children have such poor eating behaviors today. Not only is nutritional intake a concern, but also food preparation methods, cost of food, perceived healthfuless of the food, taste, amount and of course whether or not the food eaten is fresh and correctly cooked and served.
The family environment is one of the strongest determinants of dietary behavior – expressed through a parent’s belief in what food is good or bad for a child. Parents also influence a child’s exposure to certain foods as well as where the food is eaten, (at the table, or in front of the TV). A family environment is also the first port of call on learning to socialize with others, as well as understanding dietary disciplines such as not eating too fast, waiting for others to finish before leaving the table, and simple things like not speaking with a mouth full of food. Parents’ likes and dislikes of a certain food will also influence a child’s own likes and dislikes, and this will have a significant impact on the child’s eating habits in later life. But if there are no family meals, and everyone is eating alone in their rooms or in front of the TV, how do children learn these important dietary habits? The truth is they don’t.
Studies have shown that children who sit down to eat with their families eat a lot more healthfully and also eat more vegetables. From an emotional standpoint, children who frequently eat with their families have better results at school, are less depressed and less likely to drink alcohol, smoke, or use marijuana than children who eat with their families less than twice a week.
Children need routine in their lives – they actually thrive on routines which makes them feel secure and loved. Regular mealtimes all together (regardless of whether you’re eating a takeout pizza or a home-cooked dinner) give children the opportunity to discuss their little problems with family members; it relaxes them and encourages them to unwind from their day. They become better friends with their siblings and learn to respect others around the table. Talking to your children over dinner is the best way of gaining their trust. Another important reason to get everyone around the table for a meal is that there’s less likelihood that your child will have to deal with eating disorders such as anorexia. Children learn good eating habits from their parents at a very young age. Be a role model for them – they need your input!
If you’re not already enjoying family meals, here are some tips on getting started:
- Turn off the TV Never eat and watch TV.
- Build up slowly If you’re not already regularly eating together start doing it once a week for a while and then every other day, and then every day. Be flexible – some days it may not be possible for everyone to be there.
- Keep the meals healthy but simple, so that you don’t run out of time with too much cooking.
- Model good table manners Actions always speak louder than words and your kids will learn to respect others around the table and take this with them when they eat at friends’ homes.
- Make one of your weekly meals something that the children usually see as a treat (such as pizza), but eat it at the table, as a family. Show them that it doesn’t matter what the food is – you still can eat together.
- Invite your children’s friends over for a family meal. Show the children that their friends are also invited to the table and that having friends over is not always about getting takeout to eat in front of the television.
- Make family meal times enjoyable Don’t talk about their grades over dinner!
- Finally, ask the kids to set the table, wash their hands and come when you call them!