FAMILY MEALTIMES HELP...

diner with parents
  • Parents gauge their children’s moods and learn more about what they are doing and who they are doing it with.
  • Provide a child with a structured daily routine, increasing a sense of security and well-being.
  • Children gain language skills while engaged in conversation with parents and siblings.
  • Improve a child’s well-being through improved academic performance and decreased risk of substance use or behavioral problems.
  • Children see parents and others model healthy eating behaviors that include trying new foods, using moderation, and using good social manners.
  • Improve the whole family’s diet by eating healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Reduce the risk of developing childhood obesity.

FAMILY MEALS HELP BUILD HEALTHY KIDS

Studies show that parents and children alike think that family meals are important and enjoyable. There are many benefits, both social and health-related, that a family can expect when family mealtimes are part of the regular routine. Aim for sharing at least four family meals per week, which may include other mealtimes besides the dinner meal, and try to include your children in mealtime preparation. Not only will you help them learn useful skills, you’ll help them create memories to last a lifetime.

SPEAK POSITIVELY ABOUT THE FOOD YOU ARE EATING

Make mealtime a positive and pleasant experience by taking time to talk and learn more about your family members each day.
Try these family mealtime conversation ideas to help get started:

Talk about the food you're eating

  • Is it a fruit or a vegetable?
  • Does it come from a plant or an animal?
  • How might other families serve the food you're eating? Where and how does it grow?

Talk about what you'll do after dinner

  • Will you play games - if so, which one will you choose?
  • Will you watch television - if so, what fun activities could you do during the commercials?
  • Will you go outside - if so, what will you do?

Talk about what is happening in your family

  • What happened in everyone's day at school or work?
  • What was your favorite part of the day?

Talk about what is happening in your neighborhood

  • Is there a family you can help?
  • Are there any local activities or fun things coming up?
  • Did you notice anything interesting (related to scenery like stores, houses, cars, or people) on the way home from school?

References

Brotherson, S. (2009). The Big Benefits of Family Meals. Retrieved from the University of South Dakota Extension Website.

 
Peer Review Logo
Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2021, Kids Win When Family Meals Are A Priority, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-89

Extension Associated Contacts

Anne R. Lindsay
Anne R. Lindsay
 

Also of Interest:

 
A boy holding radishes
A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet gives your body all of the essential nutrients it needs to stay active, healthy, and strong. Learn how you can balance your diet to get the energy you need throughout the day.
 Buffington, A., Lindsay, A. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-106
signiture
Healthy Kids Resource Center: Policies, Procedures & Partners Section
Find links to Federal and State policies and regulations
 Lindsay, A. and Taylor, S. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
A black dog catching a treat in the air.
Women in science: a Q&A with CABNR pet food mercury researchers
Professor Mae Gustin and fellow researchers Lindsay Chichester, Sarrah Dunham-Cheatam, Adriel Luippold and Margarita (Maggie) Vargas-Estrada talk about their work and answer related questions
 Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
 

Associated Programs

Kids and teacher dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

All 4 Kids Program

Extension's All 4 Kids Program and its annual Healthy Kids Festival use activities, music, dance and food to teach kids and their families in Clark and Lincoln Counties nutrition, physical activity and self-acceptance.

Kids and leader dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

Healthy Kids Resource Center

A one-stop shop for evidence-based research, resources, curricula, activities and materials that focus on obesity prevention for teachers and parents of young children. It is designed to educate parents and teachers as well as provide the tools needed to teach young children how to live a healthy lifestyle.