The Benefits of Eating Together

It’s 6pm. Suppertime. Mom is working late. Dad’s stuck in traffic. The oldest is in band practice, the youngest is at ballet, and Junior is strolling the mall with his friends. Sound familiar? These days, it can be an enormous challenge to corral the gang for a meal. But here’s why having frequent family meals is worth the extra effort.

Wellness & Communication
Eating together gives family members a chance to talk and relate to one another. It’s a time to share what’s happening in their daily lives, and an opportunity for parents to model good eating habits and social behavior. The dinner table should be a safe place for your children to express themselves, as well as learn new words and social skills by listening and watching others.

Better Grades
Many experts believe that children and teenagers who have regular family meals are more likely to do well in school. Eating with family 5 or 6 times a week fosters a family bond that may help to boost student’s confidence, self-esteem and academic performance.

Money Saver
Meals prepared at home can costs 2 to 4 times less than eating out. However, many families eat at restaurants a few times a week due to hectic schedules. Nearly 50% of all food sales are in the restaurant industry. Home cooked meals are a great way to trim your budget.

Any time of day is a good time for a family meal. Breakfast, brunch, dinner – doesn’t matter, as long as your family is sharing a meal together. It’s the perfect time to bond over stories, ideas, food, and best of all, create harmony.