WANTED: Quality mealtime
The first of this year I began to revisit a ritual I had not practiced regularly since I lived at home with my parents. I began to eat dinner at the kitchen table…no T.V., no phone, no distractions, at least three times a week. I have embarked on rediscovering the importance of uninterrupted meal time and I somehow feel better for it.
I have started my own little version (sans children) of the family meal.
Of course, this is no new concept; families have been eating meals together even before grilled woolly mammoth was on the menu. But I think we can all agree that if the concept of the family meal doesn’t get some support real soon if may join the woolly mammoth on the extinction list.
Research has shown that when adults and children eat together good things start to happen:
· Children do better in school
· Children have fewer behavior problems
· Teenagers are less apt to use drugs and alcohol
· Children and teenagers say they like having time to talk to the adults in their lives
· Communication between adults and children improves
· Children understand their family’s values and traditions
· Traditions are created around food and meals
Also…
· Meals are usually more nutritious and healthful
· Food dollars are better utilized with larger sized purchases
· Time is better utilized because the family only cooks one meal
Source: http://nutrition.wsu.edu/ebet/why.html
Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Aim for four or more meals a week
2. Make family meals a priority
3. Cook it quick and eat it slow
4. Work toward happy, relaxing conversations at meals
5. If time is an issue, make meals quick and easy
6. Shop for food and cook together
7. Take telephone calls later
8. Turn off the T.V
9. Respect each individual’s right to decide how much to eat
Source: http://nutrition.wsu.edu/ebet/toolkit.html
There is no doubt that participating in the family meal is often easier said than done. Conflicting schedules, limited time for cooking, or limited knowledge of cooking techniques can make it difficult for some families to provide a good, wholesome, sit-down meal. The point is to be flexible, be patient, and do what you can to make meal time special with your family, whatever that looks like.
Want to learn more?
http://nutrition.wsu.edu/ebet/index.html
http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/indicators/96FamilyMeals.cfm
