A study in the journal Pediatrics finds that children and adolescents who share meals with their families at least three times per week are less likely to be overweight, eat unhealthy foods or be at risk for eating disorders. In my opinion, they are also less likely to use drugs, overindulge in alcohol, and engage in unprotected sex. Why? Because the family bonding conversations during meal times tend to stick to their ribs like oatmeal on a snowy morning. When my kids were little, we generally had dinner together at least three times a week and always on Sunday evenings when I prepared a special meal eaten in the dining room. What do you do special with your kids during mealtimes?
Despite our busy schedule, we do find time for family meals! But the kids participate with preparing dinner as well as cleaning up afterwards, this time we use to learn about our day. The conversation may overflow into the actual sit down time, but when it does not, we have "Family Table Topic" cards which ask questions such as "How does a person become courageous?" and "What would you change about your school?" I find that I learn more about my children and what they are facing in their lives.
ReplyDeleteKomika, what a great idea - the Family Table Topic cards. Thanks for sharing that great advice :-)
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