5 benefits of family dinner together you’re missing out on
The dinner table is a place where families come together to bond, share stories, and enjoy a meal. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to neglect this special time together, but there are numerous benefits of family dinner time.
From creating lasting memories to improving mental and physical health, there’s no denying the importance of making family dinner time a priority.
Remember the good old days when dinner time was a time for the whole family to gather around the table and catch up on each other’s lives?
Well, those days aren’t gone for good; you can bring them back!
Family dinner time allows everyone to slow down, disconnect from technology, and connect with the real people in their lives.
Not only is family dinner time important for creating memories, but there are many benefits of family dinner time related to mental and physical health.
The Family Dinner Project compiled over three decades of research that shows that regular family dinners are linked to lower rates of depression, better communication skills, lower obesity rates, and improved overall health, among many other benefits.
Family dinner time is also a great way to teach children about healthy eating habits and help them develop a lifelong love of nutritious food.
Eat together and enjoy creative benefits of family dinner times!
First of all, enjoying the benefits of family dinners doesn’t mean boring. Here are a few creative ideas to make dinner time a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family. After all, the benefits of family dinners center around food, fun, and meaningful conversation. That’s food for the body and the soul! Having dinner with family every night improves kids’ school performance more than any other intervention, including homework and sports. So, get cookin’!
Cook together
Get everyone involved in the cooking process! Whether it’s chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, or setting the table, everyone can play a part in making dinner time special. This is one of the benefits of family dinners that can seriously impact kids’ food choices and relationship with food generally. Cooking together teaches kids life skills and gives them confidence in the kitchen. It also invites them to try new things in a no-pressure, fun way.
Have a theme night to enjoy the benefits of family dinners
Choose a different theme for each dinner, such as “Taco Tuesday” or “Pizza Night.” This is a great way to get creative and make dinner time a little more exciting. It also invites kids into the planning process. And, for those kids who don’t like surprises, having themes helps them anticipate their favorites.
We implemented Taco Tuesday, but didn’t limit it to those messy hard corn shells and ground beef with toppings. No, no. We’ve done chorizo, chicken, carnitas, shredded beef, and even fish tacos. Sometimes, we have taco bowl or sopes instead of the usual tortillas. Or, we set out different toppings. One of the benefits of family dinners with themes is that it offers a predictable platform for introducing healthy variations that your kids might enjoy. They might not eat steak, but they might eat shredded beef tacos.
Play games
Since everyone is gathered around the table, it’s a perfect opportunity to turn dinner time into a fun game night! Play card games, board games, or any other games that the whole family can enjoy. One of the greatest benefits of family dinners is fun, the type of fun that builds positive memories and encourages family bonding. It’s fun with family that combats stress and depression. My favorite games are cooperative games like these for about age 5 and up:
Family conversation starters or storytelling games are also a lot of fun. They certainly can teach you about your family members as you try to predict what they might say. They sure get beyond the usual, “How was school today?” For older kids, they can be a way to connect on a whole new level that keeps it light and chill. Check out some that I’ve played with my older kids.
Benefits of a Nutritious Meal
So, I’ve mentioned the benefits of family dinner that boost grades, encourage budding confidence and life skills, offer ways to bond on a deeper level, protect against depression, and just improve connectedness and overall health. But, one of the most outstanding benefits of family dinners is the opportunity to instill lifelong eating habits. It is your chance to lay a solid foundation of health for the rest of your kids’ lives. Eating together encourages kids to eat more vegetables and helps them avoid filling their tummies with empty calories. And, they get to see what healthy eating looks like, if you model it for them.
Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas
It’s tough sometimes making nutritious meals day in and day out. It can also stress out the pocketbook or the Zelle app. But, providing nutritious meals for your family doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few budget-friendly meal ideas that are both healthy and delicious:
- Casseroles: Casseroles are a great way to stretch your food budget. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, and leftovers can be reheated for an easy and quick meal.
- Slow Cooker Meals: Slow cookers are an excellent way to save time and money. Simply toss all the ingredients in the pot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal.
- Instant Pot: This machine has literally been a lifesaver in my home! A cross between a slow cooker and a pressure cooker, this appliance allows you to cook up tons of flavor with less effort. It makes even tough cuts of meat melt in your mouth like butta. No more upturned noses when it comes to roasts or other tougher meats. No more waiting hours for navy bean soup.
- Use the best meal plans for working moms! That’s right. Someone else has already done the work for you to help you put dinner on the table, keeping family budgets in mind. Mom-tested and created.
Conclusion
In conclusion, family dinner time is a powerful way to bond with your loved ones, create lasting memories, and teach your children valuable life skills.
With these creative ideas and tips, you can make dinnertime a fun, enjoyable, and nutritious experience for your whole family.
Remember, the goal is not to have a perfect meal or a perfectly decorated table, but to create a space where everyone feels loved and appreciated.
So, turn off your phones, sit down at the table, and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. You’ll be amazed at how much this simple act can improve your relationships and your overall well-being.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your dinnertime routine. Try new recipes, play games, and experiment with different themes. The most important thing is to have fun and make the most of this time with your family.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next family dinner tonight!
