Friday, October 07, 2011

How busy families can make the most of dinner time

By Amber Krosel
Source: http://www.fairport-erpost.com 
The age-old idea of sitting down after school, work and errands to enjoy a meal together can be done in today’s technology-distracted society — and should be done for a healthier family, psychologists say.

Children whose families ate dinner together had lower risks of using drugs, drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, according to a 2007 study by the University of Minnesota Medical School. Similar research at the school in recent years has also revealed a lower risk of violence among boys and eating disorders among girls because of more family mealtime.

Also, a report this year by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University in New York added that those who had frequent family dinners reported better relationships with their parents — and they were almost twice as likely to have a better relationship with their siblings.
...Continue reading here.
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Research has consistently demonstrated the importance of family meals in a child's development, particularly in its influence in the prevention of eating disorders.  Are family meals a current part of your daily routine?  What tips or suggestions do you have to make this more of a priority for families?

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