These days getting the family together for a meal may seem like mission impossible. That could be the case, but researchers came out with evidence that says it’s worth the effort. The lifelong health effects of family dinners are most influential on the younger population. Preventing drug and alcohol abuse and instilling healthy eating habits are just a few potential side effects. It doesn’t stop there, eating together has rewards for everyone in the family.
Do It For The Kids
Harvard University did a study on kids that eat with their families most days of the week. The study found that these kids tend to eat more fruits, vegetables, dietary fiber, and vitamins than the kids who didn’t.
Another study that looked at almost 5,000 adolescent kids from diverse backgrounds found that ones who ate with families were less likely to eat fatty foods and soda.
This is extremely valid because according to statistics, 20% of kids between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight. That sets them perfectly for chronic diseases and other complications later on in life.
Family dinners are where parents can have a big influence on their kids’ lives. With the hustle and bustle of an average day, there aren’t many other opportunities to talk with the young ones and see how they are doing in school and life.
Self confidence can also be significantly impacted by dinner time conversation. When parents or other older family members have the opportunity to talk and give advice to kids they are more likely to feel loved and self confident.
There are plenty of other factors that play a role in bad decision making, but this significantly reduces the chance of kids abusing alcohol, getting into drugs, and doing poorly at school.
Communication can be impaired in kids who don’t have the opportunity to talk to parents and older role models face to face. If a kid isn’t sitting at the dinner table where do most go? That’s right. Straight to the television or game console.
Electronics are taking over and having a serious negative effect on face to face communication skills. When kids are required to sit at the table and talk, that gets them talking and away from Ipads and joy sticks, at least for a while.
Don’t Feel Left Out, Parents!
Even though this seems like it only benefits the kids (they are the most important!!), that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Planning family meals once at the beginning of the week will help you save time and money at the grocery store. If you know what you need, you’re less likely to spend money on random things that you just throw into the basket as you walk down each isle at the store.
Everyone can also have a say in the meals if they’re planned in advance. That will ensure that everyone actually likes what was cooked.
Healthier cooking at home is an obvious benefit. If you make the food yourself then you know exactly what goes into it. If you are even slightly health conscious, home cooked meals can reduce sodium, bad cholesterol, and trans fats.
This will work for any meal of the day. Even if you have to get up a little earlier to eat breakfast as a group, this is totally worth it. Everyone benefits, but the kids are most important. They are growing and learning life long habits that will effect them in the long term.
I hope you enjoyed this article, and it convinced you to plan at least a few family meals throughout the week. Try to invite others into your circle that are less fortunate and may not have that opportunity. That just means more conversation and friends! Don’t let anyone miss out on the lifelong health effects of family dinners. Please take a few seconds to share this with everyone on facebook. You may also be interested in, 5 Healthy Alternatives To Common Social Activities. Family meals aren’t the only way to bond, so here are 7 Fun Ways To Get Your Whole Family Active.
About Adam Pegg
