How to Get a Family Around the Dinner Table

For many families, the back-to-school season also ushers in an increase in extracurricular activities, which, sadly, often puts a strain on gathering for family meals.

To focus on this issue, the Food Marketing Institute has designated the month of September as National Family Meals Month, with the goal of reminding Americans that, despite busy schedules, we still need to find time to gather around the dinner table together to share meals and conversation. Research has shown that when families have meals together, it decreases a child’s risk of dangerous behaviors such as substance abuse, violence and self-harm. Family meals have also been shown to increase social skills, mental well-being and healthy eating behaviors in children, including the consumption of more fruits and vegetables, resulting in less risk of obesity. Studies also show children who participate in family meals have higher self-esteem and have higher rates of sharing and respect.
In short, the more meals a family shares together, the stronger the connections of the individual members. (keep reading here)