Do your family meals turn into battlegrounds with children fighting adults for control of the plate? Did you know that the single most frequent response when adults are asked what they remember as children involve family meals? Think about your own family meal rituals. What will your children remember in twenty-five years when they have your grandchildren sitting around their tables? How will your legacy of happy family meals continue through the generations? Here are a few suggestions for creating happier family meals:
- Everyone does not have to eat the same thing as everyone else. In other words, you don't need to force your children to eat peas if they don't like peas!
- Encourage conversation by turning off the TV and iPods.
- Have one family member help with the choice, preparation, and presentation of the dinner occasionally.
- In a busy family, designate one day as family dinner day when everyone makes sure they are home at a specific time.
- Develop unique family recipes, traditions, or grace before meals.
When you create happy meals for your family, research shows that children with asthma have fewer attacks, teens are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, and all family members have a lower tendency for eating disorders. What are you having for dinner tonight? Meat loaf or family togetherness?
