Science on Mealtimes

I don’t like ‘shoulding’: “You should do this”, “You should do that.” I like to give ideas and then you decide what would be best at your place.

But the research is so strong on this that I am going to use the ‘should’ word: You should have many of your meals together, the whole family sitting up at the table, without the TV on. There should be manners, like no reading or playing with phones at the table, and you should all stay together until the meal is finished.

I know… that sounds stuffy and formal. But the research is so clear: Kids who eat with parents are more likely to do better at school and be less likely to smoke, drink and do drugs. They also tend to eat better food and are less likely to become overweight. Why? Well, it’s not because of some drug you slip in their potatoes, the magic ingredient is that you spend time together. Time talking. Time finding out about their day and how school went. Time sorting out problems.

Now it’s hard changing patterns and habits and the kids might resist when you start insisting on a few family meals, but you know what: they actually come to enjoy it.
In the Youth 2012 study, 93% of teenagers felt that their mother and/or father cared a lot about them, and nearly half would like more time with them.  In a Columbia University study, 71% of teenagers said they considered talking, catching-up, and spending time with family members as the best part of family dinners, and little kids said regular mealtimes made them feel safe and part of the family.

So make a change, even if it’s tough.

For more, check out theparentingplace.com