The family that eats together...

www.DrWeigh.com

New studies prove what we all believed to be true: children whose families eat together tend to be happier and healthier. The importance of the family meal has now been proven.

Science daily magazine revealed that teens who regularly eat meals with their families are less likely to drink and smoke. In fact, a study of middle school children followed over five years showed that girls who regularly ate meals with their families were half as likely to use alcohol/drugs than girls who did not regularly eat meals with their families. The research also shows that children who regularly eat with their families are closer to their parents than children who do not.

The beneficial effects of the family meal are vast. These children are also less likely to be overweight or obese. And family mealtime is a great opportunity to reconnect with your children. Discuss their day. Ask them about their friends. Find out what is happening in school. In other words, GET INVOLVED!

Notice that I have been referring to family mealtime and NOT family dinnertime. Contrary to popular belief, the family meal does not have to be dinner! I often work late nights but I try to eat breakfast with my children in the mornings. That is the time that I find out what is going on in their lives. And we always have Saturday lunch, Sunday brunch and Sunday dinner together. Even with my busy schedule, I carve out time to eat meals with my kids. It is important to have that uninterrupted time for conversation!

So sit down with your kids and enjoy a nice meal. The benefits are immeasurable.