In the Fall Southwest Utah Public Health Magazine there is a great article supporting the importance of eating together as a family. It says: Many families are busier today than ever before, and sharing a meal together often has to compete with long communtes, late work hours, soccer practice, homework and other activities. But when families sit down and eat together, parents and their children benefit in several ways.
Research suggests that children who participate in family mealtime are 24% more likely to eat healthier foods and 12% less likely to be overweight. Most meals prepared at home are more nutritious and healthy.
Children perform better in school when they eat more meals with their families. Teenagers who have family mealtime at least four times per week have a higher grade point average than their peers eating together two times per week or less. Research also shows that frequent family dinners (five or more per week) are associated with lower rates of smoking, drinking, and illegal drug use in pre-teens and teenagers when compared to families that eat together two times per week or less.
The advantages of eating together as a family are obvious, but managing a complicated schedule can be a challenge for many families. If five times a week seems unattainable, start with once a week and work up to at least three. When children are involved in sports or programs during mealtimes, plan to eat dinner when most of the famly can be there. A family meal doesn't need to be gourmet or served in five courses; keep it simple.
MANY AMERICAN FAMILIES ARE STARVED FOR TIME SPENT TOGETHER. MEALTIME MAY BE THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY TO PUT AWAY MEDIA DEVICES AND RECONNECT WITH EACH OTHER. This gives parents a perfect chance to talk with their children and stay more in tune to what's going on in their lives!!!
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