Importance of Family Mealtime
By Cassidy Rourke
Family mealtime is more important today than in the past.
Competing distractions, more choices of activities outside of home, and advancement of technology are bringing family meals to an all time low.
Why do families not eat together?
During the day everyone is out in the community, children are at school, adults are at work, and that leaves the only real family time to talk at the the dinner table. Even when at home, individuals go off and do their own thing. Nowadays, a lot more people eat out saying they don't have time to cook. Fast food has also changed family mealtime because people get it on the go and eat in their cars, instead of sitting down together.
Strategies for incorporating family mealtime at home
Schedule family meals
A good way to start incorporating family meals is to schedule them. Find time where you can all eat together, and if you can't find time, make time.
Keep it simple
It doesn't need to be a three-course meal, go for nutrious and easy.
Eliminate distractions
Turn off the TV, put away your phones and enjoy some quality family time together! Don't let technology take over your world.
It's never to late to start eating meals as a family
Benefits of family mealtime
- More efficient
- Healthier
- Less expensive
- Teaches children food sustainability
- Builds closer relationships with family
- Provide a sense of family identidy
- Transmit family values from one generation to the next
- Spend time with family
Stop making excuses and find time for family meals!
Resources
http://learn.eartheasy.com/2011/12/why-eating-family-meals-together-is-still-important-today/
http://www.nourishinteractive.com/healthy-tips/categories/3-healthy-family-mealtime-tips
http://www.earthsbest.com/node/365
http://www.benziestandrews.com/archives/5543
http://www.thecopticleague.org/news/view?id=19
http://iloverelationship.com/10-ways-to-strengthen-your-family-relationship-like-never-before/