Posted September 25, 2009
Parents and caregivers who have regular family meals are serving more than good, nutritious dinners.
Numerous studies have found that families with young children who have regular meals together are healthier in other important ways. In addition to learning positive nutrition and eating habits, the shared dining experience also enhances language development and overall student performance, improves behavior and nurtures social growth.
But with more parents and caregivers challenged by work schedules and longer commutes, it’s tougher to get the family together on a regular basis.
Particularly in families with young children who are just beginning school, shared family dinner experiences are an important ingredient in learning and growing. By establishing structured time in the kitchen to prepare dinner, young children begin to understand priorities and organization. And by taking on responsibilities, they grow in the practice of teamwork, achievement and confidence.
“The evidence is clear – we know that regular family mealtime promotes language development, reduces the risks associated with childhood obesity, and provides parents with a regular opportunity for parents to keep track of what’s going on with their kids,” says Dr. Barbara Fiese, a University of Illinois professor. “I can’t think of a single setting that provides that much bang for your buck.”
Fiese, director of UI’s Family Resiliency Center, says, parents must make an effort to prioritize shared meals free from distractions, such as watching television, making phone calls and texting.
Here are some suggestions for making evening meals an important part of every day:
Tune in to each other by turning off the technology .
Involve children in the menu selection and shopping.
At the table, engage your children in conversation.
Families should consider shared meals a long-term strategy. Researchers have found that teens who dine with their families five or more times a week are less likely to smoke cigarettes or become involved in alcohol or drug use.
Barbara Holden is a director at the Urban Child Institute, a Greater Memphis organization dedicated to promoting early childhood development. The Commercial Appeal is a partner with the Urban Child Institute in this effort to help parents learn skills that nurture and educate infants and children. For more information, go to theurbanchildinstitute.org or dial 211 for the Public Library and Information Center.
Date: Sept 23, 2009