Family mealtimes around the table were daily occurrences in most homes, and seeing the table set with plates, drinking glasses, knifes, forks, spoons and a centrepiece was a common event.
Today, many children are growing up not even knowing about mealtimes around the table, much less how to set a table.
In this fast paced society where fast food is convenient, meals are often eaten anywhere apart from the family table, and has unfortunately made mealtimes and setting a table become a lost art.
Having regular meals together has a wide range of valuable family benefits:
- It’s fun getting everyone involved in the planning and preparation.
- It’s a good time to slow down together and listen to each other.
- Its quality family time spent.
- Everyone participates in good table manners and etiquette.
- A chance to connect with everyone.
- Improves family communication and interaction.
- Helps the family to bond together and develop a stronger sense of belonging.
- Provides a way of establishing or continuing family traditions and values.
- Gives parents a chance to lead by example and demonstrate healthy food choices.
How can you start or how can you improve?
- Make family meals a priority.
- Involve children in the shopping, cooking and cleaning up, which should allow them to appreciate everyone’s effort.
- Plan simple meals to prepare.
- Eat a variety of foods to keep meals interesting.
- Limit distractions. Turn off computers and video games and don’t eat in front of the TV.
- Take phone calls later.
- Talk together – laugh together.
- Make sure everyone has a chance to speak and be heard.
- It doesn't have to be dinner. Today's hectic schedules can make planning family meals together difficult. Pick meals that are easiest to get the family together, which may be breakfast, or lunch rather than dinner.
- Create opportunities to gradually add more meals together.
TIP. Instilling these family-life lessons now will follow a child throughout their life, impacting their food choices and overall health as an adult.