Whether it’s the pediatrician or the friend down the street, nearly everyone is telling parents how important it is to eat together with our kids. And the truth is, they are right. But just because it is important doesn’t make it easy!
The pandemic changed pretty much everything, including our daily routines. On the bright side for our family, it meant lots of meals together at home. Now, like many people, we are resuming some of our previous patterns; we are back to juggling work schedules, hobbies and activities, friends, other family commitments. Being busy again has made me realize how much I have enjoyed those mealtimes together, and how challenging it can be to maintain that routine when schedules fill up.
But eating together truly does have amazing benefits for kids (and parents too). So it is worth it. And it doesn’t have to be as hard as it sounds.
First things first: what’s the big deal? Countless experts, studies, and grandmothers agree that eating together matters. Children who share regular meals with their parents have better grades, better eating habits, stronger relationships with their parents, fewer challenging behaviors and feel less stressed (just to name a few of the benefits).
And the good news is, you don’t have to be a Michelin star chef, or spend hours at the stove each day in order to reap those benefits. There are lots of ways to make family meals doable…below are just a few ideas, tips and tricks.
Don’t get stuck on “dinner”
For many families, evenings are hectic. Some parents and kids get home late, while some little ones go to bed early. So, why not make breakfast your family meal instead? Since many of our little ones don’t sleep in (even if we wish they would) working an extra 20 minutes into your morning routine might be all it takes for a great family meal – what a way to start the day!
One meal does wonders
Figuring out what to put on the table to please different eaters can sometimes be the biggest barrier to eating together. Most of us have experienced the draining back and forth of “I want this, not that, oh wait now I want the other.” A lot of our mealtime conflict can be removed by making a single meal for the whole family. Offering a balanced meal, and then letting kids decide what and how much they need to eat, allows everyone to focus on being together…rather than battling over the last bite of peas.
Put little hands to work
Letting young ones be involved in making a family meal helps them feel capable and makes them more excited to try what ends up on the table. Give your little ones tasks – washing, stirring, mashing, or setting the table.
For our family, shared meals are one pandemic habit I don’t want to lose which means we will be working to balance soccer and spaghetti in the weeks ahead.
Resources for family meals
