Family dinners are not easy to coordinate. With four kids ages 12 to 17 who are involved in various activities and sports, it takes a lot of planning to get us all around a table together. It doesn’t happen every day. But I realize that when the six of us gather for a meal, I feel we are more connected. Our family dinners make us stronger.
Eating together doesn’t have to be at home either. Earlier this month, the Lazy Dog restaurant chain hosted us to help us celebrate the start of school. The food was delicious, like Cheese Curds (OMG, they immediately disappeared), a spicy Teriyaki bowl, and an ooey-gooey S’more Brownie Sundae. The upbeat vibe and astonishingly sweet servers made our dinner extra fun and allowed us to relax. This was our first time eating here, and we will definitely be back. The do-it-yourself take-home Sugar Cookie Decorating Kit is an entertaining way to extend family time. And it’s only $7.50!
Eating family dinners together has numerous benefits. Here are five compelling reasons to push past the complexities and plan some time to have a meal together.
5 Reasons Family Dinners Make My Life Better
1. They strengthen our relationships.
Sharing meals helps create stronger family bonds by allowing family members to connect, share their experiences, and support each other. It is amazing how sharing a basket of sweet potato tots can improve communication.
2. They encourage healthy eating habits.
Families often consume more balanced and nutritious meals when they eat together. While most of our dinners are home-cooked meals that usually include healthy foods like lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, we sometimes bond over frozen pizza too. You have to do what works best for your family at a particular time. If cooking is too much to add to your plate, consider getting a Family Meal from a restaurant like Lazy Dog. When your kids see you enjoying a meal, it sets a positive example for them.
3. Family dinners help your kids perform better at school.
Studies have shown that children who regularly eat dinner with their families tend to perform better academically. The routine of sitting down together and discussing the day can be enough to provide a supportive environment that helps kids learn and concentrate better.
4. They create a feeling of security.
Regular family meals provide stability and security. This routine can be comforting and reassuring for children of all ages. It helps them feel more grounded and emotionally safe.
5. They encourage open communication.
Family dinners can become a prime opportunity for family members to talk about their activities, discuss issues, and share feelings. These informal discussions keep communication lines open.
Over the years, I have found that family dinners are the easiest way to come together and support each other. They help us create an environment where (hopefully) all four kids feel heard, seen and valued.
