Photo by August de Richelieu
Having meals together as a family brings various benefits for both children and adults. Let’s find out why it is much better to have meals together.
Do you eat alone? Do you prefer eating by yourself or with someone? Growing up, most of us have family meals together frequently, while some do it occasionally, like birthdays, thanksgiving, or the holidays. But as time passes and people go their separate ways, the dynamics of family dinners have drastically changed. The ever-changing lifestyle and super busy schedules make it harder to schedule one meal together as a complete family. Thus it became an occasional affair that brings together people that have changed over time.
What Changed?
It is not at all upsetting or surprising how people do not do family meals as they are supposed to. Working adults have no time and energy to spare for other things while making ends meet. Adolescent kids and family members who are away for college can’t show up due to busy hours doing after-school activities. There is also the factor of technology, where people would rather be on their phones or computers all day and not do anything else in their free time. Family conversations became a rarity because people prefer living in their world.
More Than Just Food
Family meals are not just about eating a plateful of food. It is a time of meaningful conversations, sharing positive news, and celebrating each other’s milestones. But if the family relationships are broken from the beginning, having meals together should be a time to be civil towards each other, or at least make an effort to reconcile.
What Are The Benefits Of Having Family Meals?
It might be awkward for some, especially for families who have not seen each other for a long period of time. But coming together to catch up and enjoy a bountiful meal is something that family members can do for each other. However, it wouldn’t hurt to make an effort to arrange something like this once in a while. Here are some reasons why family meals should be a thing:
1 – It Comes With Nutritional Benefits
Did you know that families who often eat together have better-eating habits for each member? Family meals help parents and older adults teach children how to eat healthily. They can also introduce children to unfamiliar foods. Children can also observe how the grownups conduct table manners, what portions are appropriate, and when to stop eating.
Children who eat with their families are more open to eat new foods, developing healthy eating habits to avoid such things as eating disorders which require adult intervention. Adults can introduce healthy food options, encourage children to eat at appropriate times and avoid unhealthy eating for the entire family.
2 – Family Meals Impact Children’s Education
Conversations over the dinner table give plenty of opportunities for children to communicate verbally to everyone around them. They learn basic language skills at a young age and may expand their vocabulary, which will benefit their studies, especially teenagers.
3 – Everyone’s Social Skills Are Enhanced
Every family meal is an opportunity for adults to teach the following habits to children:
- Table manners
- When to take turns
- Socializing
- Clean As You Go (CLAYGO)
- Sense of responsibility
- Table setting
- Meal preparations
If children are trained to do those things at their age, they can learn how to be patient and develop improved motor skills. Through family meals, adults should be role models for kids who will, later on, be the ones who will set the table for every meal. Be reminded, though, that this does not happen instantly and must be done with utter patience and perseverance.
4 – Bonds Are Strengthened
Families who frequently eat together encourage constant communication and positive affirmation, making it a time to relax, laugh together and enjoy each other’s company. Doing this can become a family tradition from generation to generation. As the young ones grow older, they will be the ones carrying it on and creating beautiful memories with the family.
Another good thing about bonding together as a family regarding meals is the opportunity to cook good food for everyone. It is not exclusively a mother-daughter bonding because fathers and sons can do it too. Regardless of which family you’re eating with, it’s always fun to prepare meals with someone, especially if they’re delicious dish recipes in Gaccetta’s book, “Generations of Good Food.”
Eating something delicious is always good, but it’s even better to savor the meals with people you consider family. High-quality relationships develop, and people’s bonds become as firm as glue. So if you’re planning a family meal with your loved ones, don’t hesitate to call them today!
