The Benefits of the Family Dinner

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“People say they don’t have time to cook, yet in the last few years we have found an extra two hours a day for the Internet.” After many studies being performed, family dinners, which were once a dying tradition, are beginning to return. (Time Magazine, 3) Family dinners have been proven to be very beneficial and help provide children with confidence and skills they need in their life. It is important for parents to encourage family dinners in their homes. When family dinners are frequently held in homes it will increase a child’s nutrition, education, communication and relationships, and their likeliness not to become implicated in drugs and alcohol.

Many studies have established that having regular family dinners together encourages wholesome foods. A family tends to consume more fruits and vegetables and less fried foods when they make eating together a priority. Soda and food high in trans-fat are also more liable to be avoided. Professor Hammons explains, “We…know that families that sit down together are less likely to eat high-caloric food.” A family meal supplies a greater portion of protein, calcium, and vitamins. This is obviously because when family meals are provided, they are typically home-cooked and do not contain the unhealthiness of pre-packaged food. Sue Gilbert, MS Nutritionist, explains further. “Home meals don't necessarily mean healthy meals. When children eat at home but not with family, they typically do not consume a very well balanced diet.” When children grow up having family dinners in their home, usually they heed more to their food intake and eating habits as an adult. As a result, children who eat dinner with their family are less probable to become obese. This is proven by a study done b...

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...ey are constantly watching the adults around them and will eventually pick up good manners from the examples the parents are giving. “It’s at the family table that we learn to talk, learn to behave, to take turns, be polite, not to interrupt, how to share, and when we have guests, how to entertain – good lessons for success in life!” reports Purdue University. (Purdue University, 1)

As you can see, it is very important for family mealtime to be held in homes. Not only does it improve a person’s nutrition and education, it also helps them to gain healthier relationships, stay away from harmful substances, and develop important skills that will be used throughout their entire life. Many studies have proven over time that it is extremely beneficial to have family dinners. By encouraging family dinners in home we can help improve the future of children’s lives.

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