The fast pace of today’s society presents many challenges for the modern day family. With many parents working in and outside the home, homework and extracurricular activities, regular family meals can be difficult to schedule. But, eating together as a family has been shown to benefit young people.
A time to connect
Communication is the key to any relationship and it needs to be encouraged, especially with children. A family meal where everyone sits down together can be one of the most rewarding times of the day. It is a time to connect with your family members, to ask your partner about their day and for the children to share their experiences from school. Since you are not rushing from one activity to the next, it is a time that you can focus on the stories that are being shared.
Family meals are also the perfect setting for children to learn the art of communication such as listening, turn-taking and being respectful. Adults can model proper table manners and teach basic skills such as how to set the table.
The topics of discussion are also important. To make the meal pleasant and to encourage communication, try to keep the conversations positive or neutral. It is not a time to address behavioural issues or discuss problems at school as children will not look forward to the family time if they have had a difficult day.
Developing a strong family bond
Since children thrive on routines and schedules, eating together regularly as a family can contribute to your children’s sense of security in belonging to a strong family unit.
To encourage family bonding and increase positive interactions, it is important to eliminate the distractions like the television and phone during meals. If you usually watch television during meals, the elimination of this form of entertainment should be gradual to avoid frustration. Turn down the ringer on the phone and let the answering machine take the calls! This is especially important for teens that will easily be distracted by the phone/cell phone ringing!
Kids can help too!
When everyone is on the run, it seems difficult to get the family together for a meal. Even deciding what to prepare can seem like a task! The fortunate thing about a fast-paced world is there are many products that make it easier to prepare quick and nutritious meals for you and your family. Fresh cut vegetables, pre-washed salads and easy-to-prepare side dishes can help to ease the mealtime rush! Knorr Sidekicks have a variety of products from noodles to pasta, potatoes and rice, as well as international flare such as Asian, Mexican and Spanish selections!
Once you decide on what to prepare, involve other family members. Assign a task to each family member such as setting the table, pouring the drinks, clearing the table and doing the dishes (or loading the dishwasher!). Even young children can help place napkins or condiments on the table. The children will learn by example that the family needs to work as a team and cooperate to achieve the desired result – a wonderful family meal!
Preparing and eating a meal together is also an opportunity to encourage healthy eating habits and proper nutrition. Adults can model healthy eating habits and encourage children to try new foods. It may take time for children to be adventurous with their food choices, but having the food available and enjoyed by other family members will eventually entice them to try new things.
Family meals are worth it!
Eating together as a family can offer so many benefits from improved communication and strengthening family bonds, to encouraging healthy development and eating habits in your children. Try to take time to sit down as a family for regular meals. Even if you have to schedule the meal to ensure that everyone will be there – the effort will be worth it! Bon appétit!