Why Sharing Meals Is the Most Underrated Family Tradition
The Surprising Mental Health Benefits of Eating Together as a Family
Today’s lifestyles can present real challenges to enjoying family meals, which might seem old-fashioned and impractical. Family meals provide bonding, communication, and nutrition, affecting the family's physical, emotional, and overall health.
I had a strange upbringing as a child concerning family meals. My parents owned a motel and trailer park, and we lived on-site.
In front of our dining room table was an enormous floor-to-ceiling glass window. So strangers and many neighbors looked at us and watched us eat.
It felt like we lived in a fish bowl, and we were on display at mealtime for all to see.
This experience affected me negatively as I grew up and became a parent. At that point, I didn’t want much to do with typical sit-down meals, as they brought up those uncomfortable feelings for me.
Sadly, as a family, we lost out on some rich benefits that could have been there. I see that now as I’m a grandparent. I’m hoping I can offer a wiser perspective to families.
Here are a few reasons why it is worth the effort to make family meals a priority:
Family meals create space for sharing experiences of the day and life and strengthening bonds.
It’s a time when everyone can be encouraged to set aside their interests and distractions to focus on one another.
These moments strengthen family connection by discussing the day’s events, exchanging anecdotes, or being together. Research shows that family dinners improve relationships. A Journal of Marriage and Family research found that teenagers who eat meals with their families had greater emotional bonds with their parents and siblings.
These shared meals allow family members to express themselves, seek advice, and encourage one another, building trust and closeness.
2. Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
Family dinners influence children’s diets and food attitudes beyond socializing.
Dining together allows parents to model good eating habits and attitudes, which strongly affect their children’s food choices.
Studies demonstrate that children who eat meals with their families are likelier to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The structure and regularity of family meals promote balanced and attentive eating.
Children learn attentive eating, portion control, and enjoying meals without interruptions.
Making a no phones at the table could be something to implement, prioritizing family time.
One trend I see quite a bit now is the distinction between ‘kid food’ and ‘adult food’. Many families tend to prepare both instead of everyone eating the same meal.
A mere generation ago, this was unheard of. This can help reinforce picky eaters.
3. Improving Communication and Social Skills
Family dinners provide a chance for actual connection and discussion. Sitting around the table promotes active listening, turn-taking, courteous conversation, and good manners, all crucial for good relationships.
Don’t allow mealtime to become a battleground. Mealtime chats teach kids to express themselves, show empathy, and interact meaningfully.
These interactions enhance family bonding and teach children social skills for navigating social settings and developing healthy relationships beyond the home.
4. Creating Lasting Memories and Traditions
Family meals are a chance to make memories and build family customs.
A weekly Sunday brunch, a holiday feast, or a modest weekday supper becomes imprinted in the family’s memory, defining identity and belonging.
Strong families share family meals, which are more than just a habit and have many benefits, from building emotional relationships and good eating habits.
All this helps to improve communication and create memories and healthy bonding.
Gathering around the dinner table is invaluable, reminding us to prioritize connection, sustenance, and bonding.
We should enjoy not only the food on our plates but also the love and laughter in the presence of family.
Book Recommendation — County Fair Blue Ribbon Winning Cookbook: Main Dish, Casserole, & Vegetable Recipes
By Val Garner — all rights reserved.
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