Around the Kitchen Table

We’ve heard a lot about the proverbial “kitchen table” during two long years of political campaigning. Now there is a different reason to consider it the focal point of family life, and that idea is supported by some pretty convincing research. Here’s the not so surprising news: being there for family meals is important in a multitude of ways.

The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), an esteemed interdisciplinary organization of scientists, has put together a published report about the benefits of family meals taken together; and the list is impressive.

Although the average family meal lasts a brief 20 minutes, showing up for it has a huge influence on child behavior and development. Here are some sample findings:

• “Teens who eat 5 or more meals a week with their families are less likely to smoke or use marijuana or alcohol.”
• “Children who take part in regular family mealtimes have more vocabulary growth and higher academic achievement than those who don’t.”
• Family diners are also less likely to be obese or have eating disorders in the Tween years.
• Eating together with family is positively associated with fewer behavior problems in young children.
• Meals prepared at home tend to be lower in calories and fat than restaurant meals and to include more fruits and vegetables.
• The positive effects of meal sharing are negatively affected by watching TV while eating.
• Only about 50% of American families eat together 3-5 times a week and almost half of them have TV available in the eating area.
• “Shared mealtimes, including conversation, rather than screen sharing, are …a barometer for” (not only individual members’ well being) but also” for the broader community’s health.

SO, PULL UP A CHAIR; PASS YOUR PLATE;  BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

Comments

[Shannon]

This idea is pretty intuitive, I'm just unsure if parents and children just ignore it or if they are genuinely unaware of this. It is not just meals but practically everything. A family which spends time together will be much closer and each member will enjoy a heightened sense of belonging.