Listen Now
How does your family eat meals? Do you each reach for something easy or heat up some leftovers separately, whenever you are hungry? Do you eat on the go, maybe grabbing a slice of pizza, a taco or hamburger? When is the last time you sat down and ate together as a family?
Eating together as a family has many benefits! Research shows that teenagers in families who eat together are less likely to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or use marijuana or illegal drugs. They are also less likely to be depressed, violent, or overweight, and they generally have better self-esteem.
Eating together as a family encourages belonging. When children can count on regular time with a parent or other adults, they feel loved, safe, and secure. So do the teens and adults. Family values are shared and modeled during this special family time and have a long-term positive impact.
Eating together as a family helps kids do better in school. When listening to adults at the table, children learn new words that help them read better. Teens can express their ideas in a safe place during the meal, giving them confidence to speak up in class. Plus, parents are more likely to know about homework and hear about any problems that are cropping up.
Eating together as a family leads to good nutrition, especially when the meals are homemade. They are less likely to have too much fat, salt and sugar. Thatâs because the flavor comes from good ingredients like vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, meat, and beans.
Tips for Success:
- Turn off the TV and put phones away.
- Eat at a table if possible. (If you donât have room for a table, a folding table that you bring out at mealtime works great.)
- Pray together at the beginning of the meal. Thank God for the food.
- Talk with one another. Ask questions â and listen to the answers.
- Wait until everyone is finished eating before anyone leaves the table.
- Get everyone involved in cooking and cleanup.
- If youâre in a program, connecting with your âhome away from homeâ family during meals is just as important.
Donât know what to say? Here are some fun conversation starters:
- What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?
- Name the best part and worst part of your day.
- Whatâs one kind thing you did for someone else today?
- Whatâs one thing youâre looking forward to tomorrow?
- Say one nice thing about the person sitting to your right.
Start eating together at the table today. No matter what your family looks like, gather everyone who lives in your household together for a meal at least once a week, and let it grow from there. You’ll love the memories you’ll make.
