The Need for Family Meal Time

Unfortunately, in today’s hectic world, it can often be challenging to gather the whole family around the table for a meal everyday. However, research has repeatedly shown that doing so is incredibly beneficial to the growth and well-being of children. In fact, family meals have even been shown to reduce the risk of substance abuse by teens. In 2000, the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University conducted extensive research on this issue. They found that when compared with teens who had dinner with their families at least five nights a week, those who had family dinners only two nights a week or less, were twice as likely to be involved in substance abuse. They were 2.5 times as likely to drink alcohol and almost three times as likely to try marijuana.

In addition, sharing a meal as a family on a regular basis fosters bonding between family members. For many families, dinner time is one of the few opportunities throughout the day when everyone can talk together. Therefore, providing parents and children the opportunity to share the good and bad parts of their day with each other only serves to tighten the family unit. Furthermore, it has been found that establishing this family “routine” provides a sense of stability and security for kids. When children know that being with them is a priority to their parents, they feel valued and loved.

Finally, research has also shown that children are more likely to receive better nutrition when eating dinner regularly with their families, eating nutritionally balanced meals, lower in fat and sugar, than if they are left to prepare or purchase meals on their own. Therefore, it’s been found that children who regularly eat with their families are less likely to be overweight or obese.

I will admit that as a busy mom, there have been nights when I’ve felt so overwhelmed by my tasks that I’ve been tempted to rush through my dinner. However, this research has reminded me of just how precious these family meals with my children are and just how quickly they are growing. “Children are a gift from the LORD ; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3) Therefore, I believe that it’s critical they are treated that way, cherishing and nurturing them as best as we possibly can.

References:

Hagelin, Rebecca. (2009, July 09). The Importance of Family Meals. Crosswalk.com. Retrieved from: http://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/the-importance-of-family-meals-11605762.html

Munoz, Nicole. (2009, September 14). The Importance of Family Meal Time. Christian Parent.com. Retrieved from: http://www.christian-parent.com/the-importance-of-family-mealtime/