Gather around the table: the benefits of Family meal-time
When the phrase “family meal-time” is spoken, I can feel it in my body. It feels warm and comforting, familiar and familial. While things in my household growing up may have been far from perfect (who doesn’t have their challenges?) one thing is for sure, my family prioritized family mealtime. We gathered around the dinner table 6 nights out of 7 to share stories of our day, thoughts and ideas, or to simply sit in silence while we crammed food down our throats as fast as possible so we didn’t miss the latest episode of our favorite TV show. No matter what was going on in our lives, we always sat down at the table together, said thank you, and shared a few moments of our day. As we grew older and began to have lives, activities, and interests of our own, the number of family meals we ate together each week dwindled, however, it never dwindled down to nothing. And as teenagers, even though we may have preferred the silence of our rooms or the company of our friends, each week we still gathered around the table at least a few times, and ate, together.
It is this feeling of comfort and warmth and being held that led me to prioritize family meal-time in my own household. Of course I envisioned the time when my children, husband, and I gather around the table as moments when we would share our inner thoughts and reflect upon our days. I idealized these times when my son was an infant and imagined them to be more intentional than what they actually are today. That being said, even with the chaos of gathering our family of 5 around the table, it has remained a priority. There seems to be someone always popping up away from the table, always running to the toilet, refusing to put their toys down, or insisting that there is no way I made the lasagna the same way as last time, but one thing is for sure, we always start the meal by holding hands and saying thank you and end it when the last bite is taken, together.
When was the last time you gathered around the dinner table with your loved ones for a hearty meal? In our fast-paced lives, eating together as a family often takes a backseat to just about everything else we have going on. Often times when we do gather around the table together, we have devices in hand and barely interact with one another. But here's the scoop: science tells us that embracing this tradition brings a number of benefits for both body and soul.
So, let's dig in and explore why family mealtime matters more than you might think.
The Science of Family Mealtime
1. Better Nutrition: Research consistently shows that families who dine together tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, and essential nutrients. It's like a culinary insurance policy for your health.
2. Mindful Eating: Sharing a meal with family promotes mindful eating. When you savor every bite and engage in meaningful conversations, you're less likely to overeat and more likely to appreciate the flavors.
3. Emotional Well-being: Family meals provide a stage for bonding, and that's where the magic happens. They're a hub of emotional support, decreasing feelings of loneliness and enhancing overall happiness.
4. Improved Academic Performance: Kids who regularly have family dinners often perform better academically. It's like a secret sauce for their brainpower.
5. Resilience: Mealtime conversations encourage children to express themselves, leading to better communication skills and increased resilience when facing challenges.
Think back to your own childhood. Can you recall the warmth of family mealtime? Did it shape your relationship with food? Chances are, those memories have left a lasting impression on your eating habits and your connection with family. Maybe those memories inspired you to make a commitment to family meal-time with your own family, like they did for me. Or perhaps, you realized what you were lacking in your household as a child and consciously decided to do something new and different. Or maybe you’ve never considered the importance of eating together as a family.
If you have been struggling with family meal-time in your household, here are some helpful tips to get you back on track.
Action Points for Reviving Family Mealtime
1. Schedule Regular Meal Times: Block off family mealtime on your calendar like a precious appointment. Consistency is the key.
2. Get Everyone Involved: Let family members take turns planning, shopping for ingredients, and preparing meals. It's a hands-on way to bond.
3. Create a Pleasant Atmosphere: Set the mood with soft lighting, calming music, or even a bouquet of fresh flowers. Make it an experience, not just a meal.
4. Banish Distractions: Put away phones, tablets, and TVs during mealtime. Focus on each other and the delicious food in front of you.
5. Conversation Starter: Prepare a few conversation starters or questions to get everyone talking. Share your day, your dreams, and your favorite moments. We love sharing our “sweet and sour” of the day. It is just as important to discuss challenges as it is to celebrate wins.
Family mealtime is a holistic experience that nourishes both body and soul. So, grab a seat at the table, and savor the flavors of good food and great company. Bon appetit!