Today, nuclear families live in a jet age where they rarely find time to eat together. These days, family members eat when they want, preferably around the television or in their separate bedrooms. Family dinner has become a long gone tradition. In fact, it is very hard to find time to spend with the whole family together.

However, more and more evidence is pointing to the fact that making time to eat together as a family is the best things you can do for your growing kids. Having meals together does more than just provide an opportunity to just get nourishment.

In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future. Alex Haley

Here are a few benefits of eating together

Better Nutrition

Many studies have pointed out that a family which eats together has a better overall nutrition. This also lowers the risk of many diseases and obesity. Children and their parents will eat more vegetables, get more vitamins and nutrients.
Kids Perform Better in School: According to a 2005 Columbia University study, Teenagers who eat with their families at least five times a week are more likely to get better grades in school. Kids who eat with their families also have a more positive attitude about their future.

Enhanced Communication

Eating dinner together as a family provides opportunities for communication. Conversations during the meal provide opportunities for the family to bond and connect with each other. It allows parents and children to discuss fun and serious topics, and learn from one another.

Develop Social Skills

Eating together helps kids develop good social skills because they learn to be good listeners, and wait patiently while someone else is speaking. They also become curious about other people instead of just being focused on themselves.

Teaches Manners

The only opportunity that parents get to teach their children some table manners is on the table. If children grow up without table manners, it will create a lot of problem for them in their future success.

Reduce Substance Abuse

According to a study by National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, families that do not eat dinner together are three and a half times more prone to abuse prescription and other drugs. Family dinners certainly cut down on the rates of substance abuse among adult and children in the family.

Good Relationship

Family dinner is an ideal opportunity to strengthen family ties. Children can use that time to talk about important things or ask their parents questions. This relationship building activity will be beneficial for children as they grow and begin dealing with more difficult problems in the teenage years.

Save Money

Meals purchased away from home cost more than meals prepared at home. Thus, it will save a lot of money for you in the long run.

Increase the Child’s Palette

Eating together as a family means cooking food that is common for all. This way, the child is exposed to a lot of new food and he doesn’t become fussy about food choices.

Structure and Routine

Routines help children to find organization and steadiness in their family lives. Regular family meals give children a sense of normality and structure to look forward to daily so that they can enjoy these daily moments.

Having daily family meals is certainly not always an easy thing to do. But when you look at the benefits, it is definitely worth the effort.

Bon Appetite!