Why is Eating Family Dinners Important?

Many families are very busy these days. Hitting up the drive-through, eating while doing homework, or simply eating at different times has become commonplace. However, eating dinner as a family is an invaluable tool that parents can use when raising well-adjusted children. Here are a few ways this small portion of your day can have a considerable impact.

Depression

Children and teens are often confused by depression and anxiety. They may feel embarrassed about it and not want to tell their parents how they feel. Family dinners can prevent this embarrassment. If you spend your family dinners talking about your day and showing interest in your children, they will often feel more comfortable talking to you. They may indicate that they need help or that they are struggling. You will be able to get them the treatment that they need even sooner.

Love

Children whose parents talk to them and spend time as a family often report that they feel more important in their parents’ lives and that they are a priority. Many children who resent their parents often complain that they were not a priority. This can be minimized by simply spending a few minutes a day hanging out over dinner.

Modeling

Many things can be modeled at family dinners. Parents can help their kids see what it looks like when parents are stressed out or struggling, but they can also see healthy ways to handle it and talk about it. They can also see their parents practicing good eating habits, manners, and cooking skills. The family dinner is more than two or more people sitting down to eat.

Family Connections

Eating together ensures that all family members get an equal amount of time to talk, spend time together, or express concerns. While you do not necessarily want to turn family meals into screaming matches, it opens the lines of communication so that all family members begin to feel important and heard. This can also minimize sibling rivalries and arguments. You can help them strengthen their bond by helping to settle struggles peacefully.

Money

Sitting down together can save money. If you are cooking family meals, you can control the amount of food, ingredients, and expense. This can save money on food costs, healthcare costs, and gas! You can eat healthier meals with one another while enjoying healthier ingredients.

Bottom Line

There are thousands of reasons to eat a meal as a family. It can help strengthen the mental, physical, and emotional health of each family member. Your family will also learn to strengthen their bonds and problem-solving skills. It is always nice to feel that you are a vital part of any group or community. This should start within your home. If your children are beginning to exhibit some of the signs of anxiety or depression, see if a family meal starts to help those. You might just find a whole new family-dynamic spring forth. Let us know what you think. Do you eat family dinners?