We are big believers in having a family mealtime benefits. We try to eat as a family for all mealtimes but that doesn’t always happen because of various schedules. However, dinner is extra special in our house because it is always family mealtime. There is magic in sitting down to eat together as a family. The ritual of it. The safety of repetition. The happiness of good food and conversation with those we love. Learn why prioritizing regular family meals can have a profound impact on your family dynamics and relationships. Uncover the many benefits of gathering around the table together and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Benefits Of Family Meal Time
Did your family eat together when you were little? Is your family eating together now? While it sometimes not possible due to work schedules, family mealtime is something that should be a priority whenever you can make it happen. Family eating together encourages family to stop and enjoy each other’s company and to really connect with each other. A survey in April 2016 of 1,000 participants, just revealed some surprising data including that almost half of parents say they share fewer meals with their family than when they were growing up!
Connection
What is the importance of family mealtimes? The simple act of sharing a meal can enhance communication skills and foster a deeper connection among family members. If you create an environment of open and honest communication, it provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations during mealtime.
We cherish eating dinner as family because it brings us all together, face to face, to share our stories of the day. No tablets, no phones, no books allowed. It is special family time and something that simple and sacred makes it magical. Since family meal time is a routine at our house, it can sometimes go unappreciated in exactly how wonderful it is. But when I stop to think about it, family mealtime is one of my favorite times of the day.
So is your family eating together? Do you sit down together for to enjoy healthy family dinner recipes? How about for weekend meals? If you do, you probably notice the magic that happens at the dinner table. We all relax a bit and talk and share about each other’s day. According to that same survey I mentioned above, “76 percent of parents say they learn a lot from their kids over meals”. I would venture to add that our children are also learning a lot from us as parents and not just by what we say but how we act, how we take time to pay attention to them and to each other. They are soaking it all in like little sponges and the time we spend together listening to each other, builds bonds and keeps the communication open.
Don’t forget that just sharing a laugh or listening to what your child learned at school is important too! Little moments build the foundation for big moments. There are actually a long list of benefits of family time and for the importance of family dinner. Family that eats together are more likely to stay together.
Less At Risk
If the magic of mealtime doesn’t do it for you, the data just may convince you. There are many studies suggesting that family meal time helps keeps perform better in school and get into less trouble. HealthyChildren.org says, “family meals are linked with school success”. Language development is enhanced and teens are likely to have better grades in school.
The American College of Pediatricians point out that, “Family meals provide structure for the day, allowing children to feel more secure and safe, knowing what to expect. They also permit parental monitoring of children’s moods, behavior, and activities, providing parents with insight into the emotional well-being of their children.” This is likely why kids who enjoy family mealtimes have less behavioral issues and improved relationships with friends and family. It has also been shown that teens who participate in family meals have decreased risk of drug, alcohol, and nicotine use.
ScienceDirect says, “Family mealtimes have been recognized for their positive effect on child and adolescent health outcomes. Frequent family meals have been shown to have protective effects in reducing disordered eating behaviors.” It has also been shown that teens who have more frequent family dinners are less likely to experience depression.
Mealtime Prayers For Families
Everyday we sit down together, hold hands, and say our prayer together out loud before we begin our meal. And everyday, I really do feel thankful for my family and for the wonderful food on our table. This family routine is an important part of our family bonding and it helps keep our relationships with each other on a firm foundation.
Mealtime prayers are, of course, optional. However, I feel that even families that are not super religious will find the prayer a beneficial tradition to give gratitude for what we have- our food and family. Gratitude is basic to making sure we approaching life with a good attitude.
Here is what we say:
“For care and food,
for home and friends,
for everything God’s goodness sends,
we thank our heavenly father.
Amen.”
Other options:
“God, thank You for bringing us together.
Let this meal remind us to nourish not just our bodies, but our hearts with love and joy. Amen.”
or
“Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts
Which we are about to receive from Thy bounty,
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
or
It can be something from the heart and a different person can take a turn leading it each day.
After prayer, we usually dig in and start learning about each other’s days. Sometimes we talk about things that happened and are bothering us. Other times we talk about our plans for things to do. Sometimes my son tells a joke or a story. But we always enjoy sharing. Family eating together is just part of the fun of the day. It is even better when my husband can be there too but if he has to work, then we still enjoy family mealtime without him.
How can family members help during meal time?
Family mealtime often involves the kids helping me cook a bit before we get to the table.They don’t always help out but when they do, it makes things twice as fun. They each have certain dinner preparation tasks they prefer. My daughter likes chopping things and my son likes measuring things. They are both good at small tasks like pulling the strings from the snow peas or breaking off the tips of the green beans.
I love that extra time with them and I like knowing that they are learning how to help prepare food. My daughter usually helps me make salad because she loves chopping and sneaking pieces of red bell peppers and cucumbers! My son helps me layer the lasagna with noodles, beef, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and tomato sauce, because that is his favorite meal. We all help out when my husband makes tortellini from scratch- he says our little fingers are perfect for the job!
If your kids don’t like cooking, they can still help out with family mealtime by setting the table before dinner. They can also clear dishes off the table after supper. If they are old enough, they can also help with washing the dishes or loading them into the dishwasher. The whole process of preparing for dinner and cleaning up afterwards should be a family affair.
Conclusion
Whether we are cooking with the kids or listening to them tell funny stories of what they did with their friends that day, we love family mealtime. And the magic of family mealtime is that we can count on it. We know that everyday, at least once, we get that time together as a complete family with nothing to do but enjoy our meal and talk about our day. You know what I’m talking about- the magic you feel when good food, family and friends come together. You know the feeling.
Put the magic back in mealtime by enjoying it as a family because family time is something to celebrate every day. From yummy recipes to funny moments to crazy weeknights…it’s all part of the package. Don’t let reaching for perfection stress you out. Get connected to your family members- cook together, share food, help each other, advise each other, listen to each other, LOVE each other.
What makes your family mealtime awesome? Do you have a funny story or cute family meal memory you want to share? Tag us @familyfocusblog! Share your family’s experience eating together using #ThisIsMealtime to help encourage everyone to join family mealtimes!
Related Posts:
EveryPlate Reviews & Discount Code [Comfort Food Meal Delivery Kits]
Isla says
Family mealtimes really show a commitment to the family unit and I think they are the best choice whenever possible. I was surprised by some of the mental health benefits but it does make sense when you think about it.
Jack porter says
Beautifully written! This blog truly captures the warmth and value of sharing family mealtimes together.
Diligence Certifications says
Family mealtimes are a special opportunity to connect, share, and strengthen bonds. In our busy lives, sitting together for meals fosters communication, love, and a sense of belonging. It’s a simple ritual with lasting impact.
Hannah says
Nice article about the importance of family meal time. We euse this prayer: “Thank You for this day and for bringing us safely to the table.
forgive our mistakes, bless our efforts, and let this meal be a time of peace and connection. Amen.”
Foramate says
Absolutely love this heartfelt piece on the magic of family mealtimes! The emphasis on daily connection, shared stories, and the joy of technology-free conversations truly resonates. It’s a beautiful reminder of how simple rituals can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Thank you for inspiring us to cherish these moments together.