Importance of Family Meals

When comparing kids who have family meals 3 times a week or less with kids who have family meals 5-7 times a week, kids who eat meals with their family more often are:

More Emotionally Stable

More frequent family dinners contributed to:

Fewer emotional and behavioral problems
Greater emotional well-being
More trusting and helpful behaviors towards others
Higher life satisfaction

Less Likely to Abuse Drugs and Alcohol

3.5x LESS LIKELY to abuse prescription drugs

3.5x LESS LIKELY to use illegal drugs other than marijuana

3x LESS LIKELY to use marijuana

2.5x LESS LIKELY to smoke cigarettes

1.5x LESS LIKELY to try alcohol

Better Students

Of kids who frequently eat family meals only 9% get C's or lower on their report cards

Less Likely to Suffer Depression

Studies have shown that students who eat with their families are LESS LIKELY to get depressed, consider suicide, and develop an eating disorder.

Family dinner can act as an intervention for a young adult who is feeling down or depressed.

Less Likely to Become Obese or Have an Eating Disorder

35% LESS LIKELY to have an eating disorder

24% MORE LIKELY to eat healthier foods

12% LESS LIKELY to be overweight

Making it Manageable

Here are some quick tips for making mealtime manageable:

Start small
Make a meal plan for the week
Keep it simple
Meal prep as much as possible
Invite everyone to participate by having your children plan and prepare a meal
Be creative - make pancakes for dinner; have a picnic on the patio or on the living room floor
Remember it doesn't have to be dinner, it can be breakfast or lunch if that works better for your family

Start off the semester with some quality time together and set the stage for a successful school year.

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