Family meals – the real value meal One of my father’s favorite sayings is, “You can call me what you want, just don’t call me late for dinner.” While it still makes me laugh and think of my father as a man who loves to eat, I recognize the true importance of his words. Growing up in my home, dinner time was a sacred time of day when all 10 of my siblings and I were required to gather around the dinner table ready to eat. While it felt inconvenient at times, I was always ready to share with my parents and siblings what I had accomplished that day. It was my time to shine, and in a family of 11 children, those times felt rare. Sharing meals as a family provides benefits for parents and children that surpass the value of a regular family routine. For instance, frequent family meals have been associated with healthier eating, lower rates of obesity, and decreased rates of food insecurity in children. In addition, children of families who eat together regularly have better academic performance, personal well-being, less alcohol and substance use and fewer behavioral problems. While other variables might also be contributing to these outcomes, it is important to note that family mealtimes promote a sense of family closeness and create a positive environment in which parents and children can benefit. So I encourage you to make the time to share a meal together because the benefits reach far beyond the table. Make the meal a family affair by building a pizza together. Make family meals a fun experience.
Family and Consumer Sciences
