Conflicting after-school schedules, long work hours, and the pull of entertainment have pushed the family dinner to the brink of extinction. This must change because research has shown that regularly focusing on food and family at least once a day can lead to:
- Academic success
- High self-esteem
- Lower rates of substance abuse, eating disorders, and depression
- Close family bonds
- Good physical and mental health
Being realistic is key to getting these results. The magic comes from the gathering, not starlight or five-star dishes. Your family will benefit from gathering at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Trying to create a feast for breakfast or dinner can create so much stress that the family meal becomes a hassle and disappears. Homemade spaghetti and meatballs, oatmeal with fresh berries, and a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket are easy meals that please. Doing this daily may be difficult, so aim for five family meals a week.
The more work people put into the meal, the more likely they are to eat it, so get everyone active in planning and cooking meals. To ensure reluctant cooks are involved, talk and text about menu options as a family, find food websites and cookbooks that appeal to eaters of all ages, and find jobs for everyone.
Also, make the meal enjoyable for everyone. Instead of interrogating each other:
- Play games that promote conversation (“Who has the best embarrassing story about school?”)
- Plan a family vacation
- Link the meal to a movie or book that everyone knows and discuss the connection
- Discuss something positive and a challenge from that day and something people are looking forward to the next day
Family meals are good for the body, mind, and soul. The Family Dinner Project’s website has more ideas on how to get everyone in the family involved in creating and operating mealtimes.
Email us at:
For more health and wellness tips follow us on: