Study after study has made it clear that having regular unplugged meals together as a family is linked to behaviors all parents want in their kids:

Better Peer Relationships

More Self-Esteem

Better Grades

With so much going on around us, mealtime may be the only time for families to connect, debrief, relax and recharge. 

Having meals together leads to better connection between parents and kids, allows parents to catch concerns and kids to express needs, and creates bonding and trust! 

It doesn’t have to be dinner — instead it can be breakfast or an afterschool snack break. It doesn’t have to be a three-course meal — the meal can come from a can, a box, or a bag It doesn’t have to be at home — some nights your dinner table might look more like a parking spot at a fast food chain. 

It will require 20 minutes of time where everyone is unplugged, talking, and eating together. And research suggests that “regular” is at least 4 times a week. With some consistency and creativity, your efforts will have major payoffs. 

However, there are some families that have managed to prioritize eating dinner together, recognizing the many benefits of doing so.

Even if schedules allow a sit-down dinner only once or twice each week, the value in making that happen consistently is worth considering.