With young children at home, dinnertime is bound to be...interesting. You may feed the kids early, get them bathed and in bed, only to start on a separate adult dinner. Or perhaps your caregiver feeds your littles while you rush home from work. There’s no question that finding the time to sit down as a family is one of the top challenges of modern life. But, making a sit down dinner possible (and a priority) is key—here's why.
American families are starved for time together
Between our own personal pursuits, hobbies, video games, social media and homework, it can, sadly, be tough to find time for real conversations. Let dinnertime be a bubble from the real world. Turn off cell phones, relax, recharge, tell stories from the day and laugh together.
Kids are more likely to eat their veggies
A 2000 survey found that seven- to 15-year-olds who ate dinner with their families ate fresh fruits and vegetables more frequently, and consumed significantly less soda and fried or processed foods.
You are in control
There’s no question that eating out can be a challenge. The average restaurant meal has as much as 60 percent more calories than a homemade meal. When presented with more food, Americans always eat more than they should, setting us all up for health dangers down the road. When you cook at home, you can control the portion sizes, ingredients and overall flavor (no added salts or sugars, please!).
There are scientific benefits to family dinners
Researchers have confirmed what many parents have known for a long time: regularly sharing a family meal is good for the spirit, the brain and the health of all family members. Having consistent family dinners has been directly and indirectly linked to lower rates of substance abuse in children and adults, lower rates of teen pregnancy, higher grade-point averages and higher self-esteem. Dinner conversation has also been proven as a more effective vocabulary booster than reading. Last but not least, regular family meals are also linked to lower obesity rates and eating disorders.
You save money
In 2007, the average household spent $3,465 on meals at home, and $2,668 on meals away from home, according to the national Consumer Expenditure Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. When you consider that the $2,668 spent on meals away from home only accounts for 30 percent of meals consumed, that equates to $8 per person per meal outside of the home. The per-person cost for a meal at home is a mere $4.50—almost half the price! You do the math, but that can save quite the pretty penny.
How to make the family dinner happen
1. Aim for five days a week
Some weeks this will be easier than others, but at the very least your family can manage weekend dinners. If it seems challenging, try giving the kids a small snack later in the afternoon so you can eat a slightly later dinner, making you happy, too.
2. Let your kids eat with friends
Family dinners don’t have to be just family. Offer afternoon play dates the opportunity to stick around for dinner. They can sit around the table together and enjoy the benefits of a communal meal.
3. Eat a snack
Sometimes it’s tough for parents to eat at 6pm with the family, especially if you just had lunch at 2:30pm. If you’re not quite hungry for a full dinner, that’s okay, but remember actions speak louder than words. Have a little “snack dinner” with the kiddos, and prep another meal after they are in bed.
What are your strategies for having a family dinner with little kids? Is it possible? Let us know!
More from Mommy Nearest:
16 Ways My Children Manage to Ruin Dinner
Why Parent-Child "Date Nights" Are So Important
Do You Ever Get Judged for Eating Out with Your Family?
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