September is National Family Meals Month, created to encourage and educate Americans about the rewards of cooking at home and gathering at the family dinner table. Studies have shown having family dinner benefits all members of the family, especially the children. Gathering together as a family during meal time allows everyone to relax, regroup, and spend time together after a long day. It gives you the time and opportunity to talk about how your day went, family matters, and concerns you may have. This time will give you and your family a moment to be screen free and really focus in being together as a family.
Nine reasons to make family meals at home
1. People who home-cook meals eat healthier, and consume about 130 fewer calories daily, compared to people who cook less or not at all.
2. Benefits of sharing three or more family mealtimes per week include reducing the odds for being overweight (12%), eating unhealthy foods (20%), and disordered eating (35%), and increasing the odds for eating healthy foods (24%).
3. Adults and children who eat at home more regularly are less likely to suffer from obesity.
4. Children who grow up sharing family meals are more likely to exhibit pro-social behavior as adults, such as sharing, fairness and respect.
5. Teens who eat dinner with their parents regularly develop better relationships with them, do better in school, and are less likely to use drugs, drink or smoke.
6. Studies have shown that from the earliest days of history, shared meals have been essential for family bonding and child development.
7. Cooking and eating together can teach children about food sustainability, nutrition and cost of living.
8. Children (and adults) are reminded of good manners. Please, thank you, and waiting until everyone is served are a few of the important courtesies that will be important the rest of their lives.
9. Practicing the art of conversation. In a time of increasing dependence on technology for communication, put down devices and talk with each other. Learning to listen well is as important as learning to respectfully challenge others’ ideas. Laugh together over funny events of the day.
Talking with Teens About Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goal
1. Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.
2. Show you care about your teen’s health, wellness, and success.
3. Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.
4. Show you’re paying attention and you will discourage risky behaviors.
5. Build your teen’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use.
