More days can be added later. By sitting down together as a family at mealtime, everyone has a chance to share the days events, express their feelings and emotions, and listen to each other, in a secure and nonthreatening environment. Better nutrition . Forty-four percent who rated their diets as fair or poor did not share daily meals with their families. One reason may be that parents make more of an effort to serve a nutritious, balanced meal when they know the family will be together.
Studies show that children who eat with their families regularly have fewer dietary problems.
School-age children, for example, who eat alone in front of the television have a tendency to fill up on junk food and have higher fat and blood cholesterol levels. Minding their manners. Mealtime jobs can teach children of all ages about cooperation and responsibility. A child as young as two can have a job before dinner, such as washing his hands. Making it happen A return to the family dinner table will require renewed priorities and a commitment by all family members.