The Importance of a Healthy Family Mealtime

By Matchup | Health and Wellness Blog

Family dinners can either be a source of great happiness or unwanted stress. For many families in this day in age, it’s hard to coordinate a time for dinner that accommodates all family members schedules and preferences; Picky eaters and lack of time are two of the most common issues when it comes to family mealtime.

But there is one thing that’s for sure, family mealtime should be coordinated a couple of times each week. Kids and teens who share family dinners 3 or more times per week are less likely to engage in risky behavior, perform better academically and actually have a better relationship with their parents, according to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. Children may also be 24% more likely to eat healthier foods, 12% less likely to be overweight, and 35% less likely to engage in disordered eating, according to Fieses and Hammons in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Taking the time to catch up with each other and share your days around a healthy meal can do wonders for your family. Use these simple tips from feeding specialist, Karen Dilfer, on how to create a happier and healthier mealtime with your family.